After 5 days of turmoil in the Football World caused by the biggest over reaction since Bob Hawke proclaimed “any boss who sacked a worker taking a sickie was a bum”, The Socceroos will take on The Lions of Babylon on Sunday. and 50,000 plus fans will be there cheering them on, (Mostly Aussies of course).
The lifting of the ban is conditional on a number of issues to be resolved between FIFA, IFA and the Iraqi Government relating to the dismantling of the Iraqi Olympic Committee. At least this will be done diplomatically and not under the cloud of an international ban.
This outcome is almost identical to that proposed by a mate of mine (Chris) on kickoff.com.au the other day. It seemed blatantly obvious to him, and to the rest of us when we read it. Perhaps Sepp has started reading it as well. It is such an obvious solution, but why did FIFA take such a hard line to start with? Because they are politicians and not interested in the welfare of the players or the fans. When a group of people get into power, they seem to loose all sense of reality and make decisions they tell us is the right one for the sport, or the people, or the economy, when in the end, it is just a decision to boost their ego or their party or whatever.
Wow, I read last nights post an wondered what drugs I was on. Sorry about that, I seemed to be all over the place.
I managed to get my Ugly Mug on TV tonight. It seems that this story is very news worthy in Australia and since I sent out a Media release yesterday I was contacted by Channel Nine for some comment.
My first go at this and the end result was well below what I thought it would be. However, they say that any publicity is good publicity, so I achieved something.
One point I failed to get across last night was that I totally disagree with the FIFA executive and their stance against the Iraq FA. How can an organisation like FIFA make a decision that directly effects the people of Iraq. These people want to have something positive to look at and follow in place of the day to day violence they come across. Football is that something, it is the World Game and The World Language.
Politics and Sport do not mix. Settle the political differences by dialogue instead of the Big Stick. A mate of mine suggested that by allowing the Iraqis to play now and disciplining them at a later date would be a fat better outcome. I agree with this point, as the fans win and if there are no adverse findings then the IFA and th fans all win as well as FIFA.
There are reports tonight that it is or will be solved. Lets hope so.
Australian and Iraqi Supporters to Clash in Friendly Football Match
23 May 2008 PEACE is about to break out between Australia and Iraq – on the soccer pitch at least.
As most people know, Australia is playing Iraq in a World Cup qualifier at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday June 1. What many people don’t know is this will be the second football (soccer) game between the countries on the very same day.
Some dedicated supporters of the Socceroos and the Iraq football team have organised a friendly football match only hours before the main game.
The team has already played a triangular series in Germany at the 2006 World Cup, played a Thai team in Bangkok during the 2007 Asian Cup, and also games against Hyundai A League supporters teams, Lokomotiv Cove (Sydney), Jet Squadron (Newcastle), Dinamo Marinators (Central Coast) and Den FC (Queensland).
AOTFC game organiser Terry Hands is looking forward to the game with the Iraqi supporters.
“Our team has a philosophy of bridging cultural divides through the common world language that is football. Our unique football community mixes the elements of sport, fair play, fun and friendly competition to bring people together from all walks of life”.
Mr Hands had organised the Iraq supporters’ team through the Iraqi internet forum www.aliraqi.org.
“They have jumped at the chance to represent their country in this challenge and we are looking forward to a fantastic experience for both teams. What usually happens with these fixtures is we arrive as strangers and go away as true friends”.
The match is to be played at the home of Toowong Soccer Club, Dunmore Park, Auchenflower starting at 12:45 pm. Spectators are very welcome, and due to it’s vicinity to Suncorp Stadium, the game makes an ideal curtain raiser to the Socceroos fixture later that evening.
As you obviously all know, the Socceroos will be playing 2 away matches in June. One in Dubai against Iraq, and the other in Qatar against, you guessed it, Qatar. Our dedicated traveling Socceroo supporters still have no information on obtaining tickets for independent travellers.
There are of course package deals available from the Fanatics. An Australian Sports Travel Company. By all means, use this company if you do not wish to organise your own itinerary. However, due to my experience during the World Cup in 2006, I cannot endorse this company on this Blog.
A mate of mine who has booked his own tour through the middle east with his wife has so far been unable to find out how to obtain tickets, as have many other Aussies who can be found on the Green and Gold Army Forum. A number of these people including my mate have contacted the FFA (Football Federation Australia), our governing body. Below is an e-mail to the FFA and their answer.
Australia plays Iraq on June 7 in Dubai and Qatar in Doha on June 14. This is only 7 weeks away. If you haven’t already booked or planned your trip then you must like living on the edge and leaving things till the last minute. Or you are just plain lazy.
This itinerary lends itself to a Middle East tour to take in some sights of the region as well as watch some Football. I have a mate and his wife who are going as are a number of Green and Gold Army members.
To help you with your planning I suggest you read some of the posts on the Green and Gold Army Forum as I don’t have the time to do any research for someone as lazy as you. Or does that make me the lazy one??
I have inadvertently overlooked this game so far. OK, so I forgot. But it is an important match in the lead up to our World Cup Qualifiers. The Socceroos will be playing 5 matches in 4 weeks.
May 23 v Ghana in Sydney – Friendly
June 1 v Iraq in Brisbane
June 7 v Iraq in Dubai
June 14 v Qatar in Qatar
June 22 v China in Sydney
We expect all our European stars to be available with the exception of Tim Cahill (Broken Foot) and Mark Viduka (Old and Weary body) the only 2 so far who will not attend. It is also important to remember that these guys have not had an off season to themselves, I think since 2004.
We last played Ghana in November 2006 at Loftus road in London where we drew 1-1. They are currently ranked 14th in the World, so should give us a good hit out prior to the Qualifiers.
I don’t know how many people will be travelling to this match from interstate considering the travelling to be done for the WC qualifiers in the coming weeks. So it is up to you Sydney, to turn up in droves and give the boys some loud support. Fire Up. Tickets are on sale now from Ticketek
Just had a look at Flight Centre for flights to Sydney from ALL Capitals. Of course look out for further sales and get on to the Virgin Happy hour between 12pm and 1pm EST, each day as well. Also consider signing up and subscribe to all the airlines newsletters. You will get early notification of their Sales.
I have based these on Fly in Saturday June 21st and Return home Monday June 23rd. Prices are the cheapest available at this point in time.
For those of us traveling to Sydney to watch this match we will need some accommodation. I have chosen half dozen Hotels in the Sydney CBD for between $80 and $129 per night Double room. I have chosen Sydney CBD as there is very little at the stadium besides the Novotel at $179 per night and Ibis at $110 per night. These will probably go quick as well. These hotels are also within easy walking distance of either Central Station or a Station on the City Circle.
There are many ways to book your accommodation, and you should choose the best way that suits you. I have used Not 1 Night to obtain these prices but you could use many other sites to do this or wait until close to the game and see the options that Wotif.com comes up with.
For all of you who joined the My Football Family before April 8 will know that the China Tickets are available already as part of a double ticket package in Sydney for the friendly v Ghana on May 23 and v China on June 22. For those of you who did not take up the double ticket package, the China tickets will be available on Monday May 5th for members and Wed May 7th for general public. Tickets available at Ticketek.
Prices are the same for this match as the Iraq game
AUSTRALIA vs. CHINA
Sunday 22 June, 2008
Kick Off 6pm
Gates Open 4pm ANZ Stadium, Sydney
Ticket Prices
Category A
- $90.00 Adult
Category B
- $65.00 Adult
- $35.00 Concession/Child *
- $165.00 Family (2 Adults + 2 Children or 1 Adult + 3 Children)
Category C
- $45.00 Adult
- $25.00 Concession/Child *
- $115.00 Family (2 Adults + 2 Children or 1 Adult + 3 Children)
When do tickets go on sale?
Football Family member’s exclusive presale period –
9am MONDAY 5 MAY 2008 until 9pm TUESDAY 6 MAY 2008
General Public -
9am WEDNESDAY 7 MAY 2008
Ticket Limit 8 per customer
