Category: Corruption

Basim Qasim, Corruption, Hassanane Balal, Iraq, Match Review, Russia2018WCQ, World Cup Qualifiers

Russia 2018 WCQ Match Reviews – Iraq 2-1 Thailand & Iraq 1-0 UAE

Following a catastrophic campaign in which Iraq were unable to mount any serious challange for qualification, it was left for Basim Qasim to pick up the pieces and start planning from square one. The new manager was quick to make his mark on the new squad by bringing in fresh talent and benching senior players such as Mohanned Abdul-Raheem. In came Aymen Hussain, Hussain Ali … Continue reading Russia 2018 WCQ Match Reviews – Iraq 2-1 Thailand & Iraq 1-0 UAE

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Ammo Baba, Corruption, Features, Hassanane Balal, Iraq, Iraq FA, Iraq Olympics Football

Torture, Threats and Imprisonment – How Uday Saddam Hussein Destroyed Iraqi Football

Unlike the current state of Iraq’s national team, the 60’s signaled the start of an extraordinary era for Iraqi football. By far the greatest team in the Arab world, Iraq was among the best teams in all of the Continent. The national team contained an array of talented footballers who went on to achieve fantastic successes over the next few decades, winning the Arab Cup … Continue reading Torture, Threats and Imprisonment – How Uday Saddam Hussein Destroyed Iraqi Football

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Club Football, Corruption, Features, Guest Writer, Hassanane Balal, Iraq, transfers

5 Reasons Why We Don’t See More Iraqi Footballers In Europe

With the transfer window upon us and a large number of Iraqi footballers likely to be on the move this summer, we wanted to examine the multitude of reasons why only a limited number of Iraqi footballers have ever transferred to the top European leagues. This has always been the case with Iraqi footballers and includes even the ‘Golden Generation’ of players who defied all odds to win the … Continue reading 5 Reasons Why We Don’t See More Iraqi Footballers In Europe

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Corruption, Features, Hassanane Balal, Iraq, Radhi Shenaishil

Feature: “One Step Forward, Ten Steps Back” – Radhi Shenaishil Fired As Iraq Coach

As per the norm in Iraq, any form of positive progress must be resisted with maximum hostility. Every one step in the right direction will inevitably be met by ten other steps backwards.  The Iraqi national team is of course no exception to this rule, where countless accounts of corruption and unethical behaviour has created a spiral of failure for all those involved in the sport. Sadly, this … Continue reading Feature: “One Step Forward, Ten Steps Back” – Radhi Shenaishil Fired As Iraq Coach

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Corruption, english, Hassanane Balal, Iraq, Iraq FA, Iraq Olympics Football, Match Review, Rio2016, Youth Football

Rio 2016 – 7 Things We Learnt About Iraq In The Olympics Men’s Football

Following Iraq’s exit from the Olympics Men’s football, we look back at the many talking points of the tournament. Elimination from the tournament may feel like a crushing blow as of now – especially given that our wounds are still sore and blistered. Therefore, following extensive reflection, we have settled for 7 worthy points to discuss in the hope that we can at least appreciate some of … Continue reading Rio 2016 – 7 Things We Learnt About Iraq In The Olympics Men’s Football

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Corruption, Features, Guest Writer, Iraq, Iraq FA, Iraq Olympics Football, Rio2016

Feature: “Iraq’s 2004 Olympics Respite”

The following article is a direct translation of extracts taken from French sports website SoFoot.com, featuring IraqFootball.me’s Hassanane Balal and IraqSports’ Hassanin Mubarak. Both individuals were interviewed by journalist William Vénétitay, whose article can be read in full here. This article remains the property of SoFoot.com and has been solely translated for Iraqi football fans who do not speak French – this article is not the … Continue reading Feature: “Iraq’s 2004 Olympics Respite”

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Corruption, english, Iraq, Iraq FA, News, World Cup Qualifiers

Radhi Shenaishil Appointed As Iraq National Team Head Coach

Iraq have somehow qualified from the first stage of the World Cup Qualifiers group after a series of disastrous results and performances. Radhi Shenaishil, who took over from the calamitous Hakeem Shakir, somehow steadied a sinking ship and pushed Iraq to four place in the Asian Cup 2015. Sadly, his appointment was only on a temporary basis, with him soon returning to his club duties with Qatar … Continue reading Radhi Shenaishil Appointed As Iraq National Team Head Coach

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ahmed yasin, Corruption, english, Expat, Features, Guest Writer, Hassanane Balal, Preview, World Cup Qualifiers

Feature: Osama Rashid Returns To Save Iraqi Football

In 2011, Osama Rashid was selected to represent the Iraqi national team in a friendly match against Kuwait. The midfielder, a surprise call-up and one of the first so called ‘expat’ players to feature for Iraq, looked on as Iraq’s iconic captain Younis Mahmoud felt a pain in his hamstring. After receiving treatment, the physio indicates Younis will have to be replaced. The German coach, Wolfgang Sidka, has a word … Continue reading Feature: Osama Rashid Returns To Save Iraqi Football

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Corruption, english, Expat, Hassanane Balal, interview, Iraq, Iraq FA, Midfielder, Nashat Akram, nashat akram interview

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: An Evening With Nashat Akram – Childhood, Manchester City, FC Twente & Iraq – Part 2

Part 2 from our exclusive interview with Iraqi footballing legend Nashat Akram. Click here for ‘An Evening With Nashat Akram – Iraq, Goals, Career & World Cup Qualification – Part 1‘.   Among the hoards of tourists and city workers wandering around central London walks a figure unrecognisable to many, yet still idolised by millions across the world. After bombarding him with requests for an interview, Nashat Akram … Continue reading EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: An Evening With Nashat Akram – Childhood, Manchester City, FC Twente & Iraq – Part 2

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ahmed yasin, ali adnan, Corruption, english, Expat, Features, Hassanane Balal, Iraq, Iraq FA, Midfielder, News, World Cup Qualifiers, yaser kasim

Ali Adnan Hits Back Against Corrupt Iraqi F.A In A Devastating Attack

Ali Adnan has attacked the Iraqi Football Federation in a scintillating rant, where he claimed that Iraqi fans are unaware of what the players and the coaching staff of the national team have been put through during recent times. Iraq’s young wingback has started in Iraq’s last three World Cup qualifiers under current manager Yahya Alwan, featuring in a slightly more attacking position than his … Continue reading Ali Adnan Hits Back Against Corrupt Iraqi F.A In A Devastating Attack

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