ZURICH — FIFA has reimposed a ban on Iraq hosting international friendlies because of increasing security fears. FIFA says it wrote to the Iraqi Football Association and confirmed “the suspension to authorize international friendly matches in the Iraqi territory.” On Tuesday, the latest wave of attacks killed at least 49 people, mostly involving car bombs. Iraq has played two friendlies in Baghdad since FIFA lifted a ban in March which had applied since 2011. Most recently on May 27, Iraq lost 1-0 to Liberia. Iraq's next scheduled home match is an Asian Cup qualifier in October against Saudi Arabia. — AP
