World football’s governing body has suspended the Iraqi Football Association following the government’s decision to dissolve sporting federations.

The clock is now ticking and unless Fifa receives written confirmation by midnight on Thursday that the decision has been reversed then Iraq faces life in the football wilderness for at least a year.

A 75 per cent show of support from Fifa delegates in Sydney on Friday would see Australia’s two matches against Iraq axed with the Socceroos pocketing the points.

At a Sydney media conference today Blatter was unable to confirm exactly how matters would unfold in the event of the Iraqi government digging its heels in and hoped it wouldn’t come to that.

He said: “I am not a betting man but I try to be a prophet. I have a good feeling. They will come. They will play.”

Blatter is clearly angered and puzzled by the Iraq government’s actions. He said: “By dissolving the national Olympic committee, they have automatically dissolved all the national sports federations, including football.

“The reasons they have put forward is that the people at the helm of football are not any longer reliable. But it is not for the government to say that, it is for the football community to say that.

“The arguments advanced by Iraq are not receivable. I cannot understand. They are the reigning champions of Asia.

“After the Olympics in late August or early September they (Iraq FA) would have elections anyway. So wait until then.”

Blatter revealed that he had been approached in Sydney by Iraqis distraught at the prospect of seeing their country suspended.

He said: “Yesterday there was a group of young Iraqis here.

"They wanted to meet me at the hotel and I met one of them. They were crying, they were saying we want to see our people here in Brisbane and it’s incredible this has happened."

Football Federation Australia faces the loss of around $3m of revenue if the Iraq clash at Suncorp Stadium is called off.

An FFA statement read: “Football Federation Australia (FFA) confirms that it is hopeful of a resolution to the issue regarding the World Cup qualifying match against Iraq, scheduled to be played on Sunday at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium.

“FFA also confirms that, if the World Cup qualifying match does not proceed on Sunday, then a full refund will be available to all who have purchased tickets.

“FFA will make a further announcement on the issue once the outcome is known.”

The Australian players are preparing in Brisbane as if the match is going ahead. However, Socceroo coach Pim Verbeek has said there is a Plan B should the game(s) be scrapped.