FIFA confirms Iraqi player’s positive doping test

After a formal complaint filed by Iranian Football Federation over fielding an ineligible player by Iraqi team in Friday’s quarter-final game, FIFA confirmed Iraqi midfielder had tested positive for doping.

23-year-old Iraqi midfielder Alaa Abdul-Zahra allegedly failed a drug test when he was playing in Iran with Tractor Sazi Club.

Iraq defeated 10-men Iran squad in penalties 7-6 after a tense 120-min game with 6 goals exchanged between the two teams on Friday to reach semi-finals facing with South Korea in 2015 AFC Asian Cup in Sydney on Monday.

Following the lawsuit filed against Iraqi team, Iranian side has delayed its exit from Australia due to AFC request awaiting a response from the world governing body, which is expected on Sunday.

If approved, Iran would be announced th winner of the game 3-0 to head for next round instead of Iraq.