Iraq bars an Iranian football team’s plane from landing at Basra airport, according to multiple reports. The aircraft is turned back and the team is unable to continue as planned for their Basra-related trip.

The accounts say the decision is made by Iraq’s Civil Aviation Authority and is linked to US sanctions affecting Iranian airlines. One report states that, after being refused entry, the plane returns to Iran and instead lands at Abadan airport.

Outlets frame the incident slightly differently: one emphasises that Iraq blocks the landing at Basra, another highlights the role of sanctions in the aviation authority’s decision, and another adds local detail from Basra airport officials and describes the team’s subsequent overland travel. Across the coverage, all reports attribute the refusal to sanctions-linked restrictions rather than to any sporting, safety, or disciplinary issue involving the team.