PARIS: World football’s governing body FIFA on Friday suspended the Iraqi Football Association (IFA) until further notice “because of government interference”. “In accordance with FIFA statutes, the clubs and representative teams of Iraq are no longer permitted to take part in international matches,” said a FIFA statement. “Furthermore, the IFA is deprived of its right to vote at any congresses held by international bodies and is no longer entitled to receive financial assistance.”Despite FIFA’s decision, Iraq’s women’s U-16 team will be allowed to compete in a tournament due to take place in Jordan on November 22-29. On Tuesday, FIFA gave the authorities in Iraq a 72-hour ultimatum to reinstate the IFA or risk suspension.