When asked by au.fourfourtwo.com for an update on the situation today, Football Federation Australia’s CEO simply said: “Same as.”

FIFA has set a deadline of midnight tonight for the Iraqi government to retract its decision to dismantle sporting federations in the country.

There is considerable confusion with the Iraq government claiming its football federation is not affected by its recent move and that the World Cup qualifier should go ahead.

FIFA delegates will debate the situation in the next 24 hours with supporters, FFA officials and the Socceroos all anxious for the game to go ahead.

FFA president Frank Lowy is trying to remain positive about the situation, albeit one out of Australia’s control.

Speaking at the launch of a new agreement between the FFA and the Italian Football Federation, Lowy said: “I think it (the situation) is out of our reach. Of course we spoke to FIFA and we spoke to the Iraq Federation. We are all in agreement that there is only one way to go - that they have to withdraw the threat to the Iraqi federation. But I believe there’s something positive may happen.”

As for Buckley, he could at least feel positive about the new agreement with World Cup holders Italy.

He said: “They are the world champions, a genuine powerhouse. As we grow in the football world we can learn a lot from those who have gone before us.

“We hope over time there will be an exchange of all sorts of initiatives with the ultimate prize being the hosting of a game here in Australia.”

Italy has vowed to support Australia’s push to host the 2018 World Cup with the FFA expected to return the favour in future.

“That’s another premise in the agreement. We will support each other in our endeavours to host major events,” said Buckley.