As a result of the lack of security in Iraq, it has not been possible to organise an IFA General Assembly to ratify its statutes in accordance with FIFA's plans to modernise structures in its Member Associations worldwide, nor to hold statutory elections set for June 2008.

Iraqi sport on the whole has suffered from attempts by the sports minister to interfere in its running, as a result of which the IFA was suspended in May by FIFA.

Despite the difficult situation for the IFA, there have been no interruptions to the Iraqi League Championship and, noting this, FIFA has granted the extension.

The new timeline sets the end of 2008 as a likely date for amending the IFA's statutes and preparation of elections in early 2009, provided there is an improvement in the local situation.