Report: Iraq soccer suspension lifted

NEW YORK, May 29 (UPI) -- The suspension of Iraq's soccer association has been lifted, possibly allowing for its inclusion in the 2010 World Cup.

Before the action by FIFA, the sport's governing body, team officials were concerned that a ban was imminent, The New York Times reported Thursday.

Political differences between FIFA and between Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri Kamar-al-Maliki were a principal factor.

FIFA said in a statement that the suspension was "provisionally and conditionally" lifted and was greeted with relief on the streets of Baghdad, the report said.

The ban also disrupted the preparations of Australia's national team, the Socceroos, for its match against Iraq Sunday in Brisbane.

"We're truly delighted that the Iraqi government, the Iraq FA and FIFA have sorted out the issues between them and the Qantas Socceroos and Iraq can get on the field to play this important World Cup qualifying match on Sunday," Ben Buckley, the Football Federation Australia chief, said in a statement.