Iraq faces being kicked out of world soccer after its football association was disbanded, the sport's governing body FIFA said on Tuesday.
"FIFA has learnt that the Iraqi Olympic Committee announced the dissolution of the governing board of the Iraqi Football Association (IFA)," a FIFA statement said.
"The basis on which such a decision could be taken is incomprehensible to FIFA. This stands in total contradiction with IFA and FIFA statutes."
Iraq has been given 72 hours to restore the IFA or the matter will be referred to the FIFA Emergency Committee which would almost certainly result in suspension.
"FIFA appeals once more to all stakeholders in Iraq to respect the autonomy of sport in general and the IFA in particular and to allow IFA to conduct its affairs according its statutes and those of FIFA," the statement added.
Iraq are Asian Cup holders.
