Iraq were suspended from international football in November last year following the Iraq Olympic Committee's decision to dissolve the IFA board, but were re-instated in March.

However, the decision to postpone board elections until further notice could once again see Iraq banned from international competition, meaning they may be unable to defend their Asian Cup title in Qatar in January.

FIFA does not allow political interference into member associations and Asian Football Confederation president Mohammed Bin Hammam admitted the recent developments were troubling.

"The situation in Iraq is of deep concern to AFC and FIFA," he told the AFC website.

"I hope the issue will be resolved amicably for the good of Iraqi football. All parties need to abide by FIFA's guidelines, which are very clear.

"Politics has no place in football and all stakeholders should work together to take Iraqi football forward.

"The game is a great unifying factor in Iraq. The authorities should take care that its credibility is not destroyed."

IFA president Hussein Saeed, meanwhile, revealed the association had unanimously agreed to send a letter to FIFA requesting a postponement.

"We authorised representatives of FIFA and the Asian Football Federation to convey the request of the committee, and its desire to postpone the election until further notice," he said.