Iraq remains under a provisional 12-month ban, imposed by FIFA after the Iraqi government dissolved the country's sporting associations.

FIFA has given the Iraq FA until midnight Thursday (Sydney time) to force the government into reversing its decision.

Sunday's qualifier against the Socceroos in Brisbane is still under threat, with the FFA facing a $2 million payout to fans if the match doesn't proceed.

Buckley insisted the FFA had not received a guarantee from FIFA that Iraq would play regardless of the ban.

"We haven't received any assurances as yet," he said at the launch of a joint initiative between UNICEF and the FFA on Wednesday.

"We've been in constant discussions with FIFA over the last few days to understand the situation, to understand the timing and the decision-making process

"I'm sure they will advise us as soon as they have an outcome."

In the meantime, the FFA remains in limbo as FIFA's deadline looms.

"We're hopeful of a positive resolution prior to that so that we can get ahead and plan and prepare for the game," Buckley said.

"Our coaching staff and team is preparing as if the match is going ahead and that's really the only option we have at this point in time."

"We are also preparing that if the game doesn't go ahead we will provide a full refund to fans."

"We would be disappointed if the game didn't go ahead. Our team's prepared for it, our organisation's prepared for it and I'm sure our fans have prepared for it."

"We are preparing for both scenarios."

"But at this stage I would stress that this is a matter for the Iraqi government to sort out with the Iraqi FA and with FIFA."

"This is not an issue that is within the control of the FFA."

Asked if a cancellation of a World Cup qualifier would be a hit to the game's image and the FFA's finances, Buckley said: "I don't think it will be of a lasting damage to our game."

"Thankfully our financial plan and our budget is sustainable. It will be of some impact - it's not a small number - but it won't hurt the FFA in the long term."