Iraq may have been banned from the Olympics because of interference in their sporting body by the government, but the war-torn nation believe they have found a way back into the 2010 World Cup.

Defeat by Qatar two months ago spelt the end of Iraq's hopes of reaching South Africa, or so it seemed. Emerson, a Brazilian-born midfielder, was part of the victorious Qatar side, but Iraq claim the player was ineligible and are taking the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport tomorrow, after Fifa threw out their initial appeal. Iraq claim that under the regulations of the world game's ruling body, Qatar should have to forfeit the tie .

Emerson had represented Brazil at Under-20 level in the South American Championship, but Fifa will tell the court that Iraq did not follow proper protest procedures. Protests must be made within 24 hours of a game, but Iraq's arrived in Switzerland more than two weeks later.