Football's world governing body suspended Iraq on November 20 following the IOC's decision to dissolve the governing board of the Iraq Football Association three days previously.

FIFA warned Iraq would face a ban if the decision was not overturned within 72 hours and duly carried out their threat, meaning teams and officials from the country are unable to take part in international football functions until the suspension is lifted.

Following a meeting last week, AFC Executive Committee members have unanimously backed President Hussain Saeed and other elected members of the IFA.

"I am happy that Executive Committee members are all in support of the Iraq Football Association and condemn the actions of the Iraq Olympic Committee in interfering with their independence," said AFC President Mohamed Bin Hammam on the confederation's official website.

"This not only goes against the FIFA and AFC statutes but against the spirit of the game. The only governors of football in the country that we recognise is the Iraq Football Association."