FFA chief executive Ben Buckley has denied receiving an assurance from FIFA that Sunday's World Cup qualifier against Iraq will go ahead.Iraq were suspended from all competition by football's world governing body earlier this week after the Iraqi government dissolved the country's sporting associations.

The ban may be lifted if FIFA receives by May 29 written confirmation from the Iraqi government that their initial ruling has been overturned.

However, Sunday's qualifier against Australia in Brisbane is under threat, with the Football Federation of Australia facing a AUS 2 million payout to fans if the match is called off.

Buckley insisted the FFA have not received a guarantee from FIFA that Iraq would play regardless of the ban.

"We haven't received any assurances as yet. We've been in constant discussions with FIFA over the last few days to understand the situation, to understand the timing and the decision-making process," he said.

"I'm sure they will advise us as soon as they have an outcome."

In the meantime, the FFA remain in limbo as FIFA's deadline looms.

"We're hopeful of a positive resolution prior to that so that we can get ahead and plan and prepare for the game," Buckley said.

"Our coaching staff and team is preparing as if the match is going ahead and that's really the only option we have at this point in time.

"We are also preparing that if the game doesn't go ahead we will provide a full refund to fans.

"We would be disappointed if the game didn't go ahead. Our team's prepared for it, our organisation's prepared for it and I'm sure our fans have prepared for it.

"We are preparing for both scenarios. But at this stage I would stress that this is a matter for the Iraqi government to sort out with the Iraqi FA and with FIFA.

"This is not an issue that is within the control of the FFA."

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