Category: Expat

Expat, Hassanane Balal, interview, Iraq

Interview With Neil Yadolahi – Iraq’s Young Centre Back And Former Burnley Footballer

My dad is born in Najaf, Iraq. His father was Iranian but his mother is Iraqi. He moved to Ireland when he was 22, which is where he married my Irish mother. Most of my father’s family currently live in Iran. My dad would drive me to training at a young age whilst listen to news about Iraq. He’d make sure my brother and me knew … Continue reading Interview With Neil Yadolahi – Iraq’s Young Centre Back And Former Burnley Footballer

Hassanane Balal1 Comment
Abdulla Al-Kalisy, Expat, Hassanane Balal, interview, Youth Football

Interview With Abdulla Al-Kalisy – Iraq’s Exciting New Zealand Based Winger

Having recently been called up for Iraq’s U23 side, IraqFootball.me was fortunate enough to interview Abdulla Al-Kalisy. Only 21 years of age, this was the first time the youngster has been involved with the Iraqi national team at any level. We sat down and discussed his career to date, including his time with Iraq and playing first team football in New Zealand. Abdulla’s energy and love … Continue reading Interview With Abdulla Al-Kalisy – Iraq’s Exciting New Zealand Based Winger

Hassanane Balal1 Comment
ali adnan, Club Football, Expat, Features, Hassanane Balal, Iraq

In-depth Analysis: Is Ali Adnan’s Resurgence The Reason Udinese Have Turned Their Season Around?

Recent years of have seen Udinese lingering in and around the relegation zone for most of the season. In a team that was desperately struggling, many were left to question Ali Adnan’s abilities given that he was unable to earn any gametime in a supposedly poor side. Many raised valid questions, including various media outlets who linked the Iraqi international with moves away from the … Continue reading In-depth Analysis: Is Ali Adnan’s Resurgence The Reason Udinese Have Turned Their Season Around?

Hassanane Balal1 Comment
Ameen Alkailany, Corruption, Expat, Hassanane Balal, interview, Iraq, Other Sports, riyadh al azzawi

Interview: Riyadh Al Azzawi – Returning To Iraq & What Hosting KGP: Baghdad Means For Iraqi Football

The world famous Iraqi kickboxer, Riyadh Al Azzawi, has just returned from his long overdue trip to Iraq. It was the first time he has returned home since leaving as a youngster. He travelled as part of KGP: Baghdad, who organised a massive event in Al Shaab Stadium. Plenty of UK based athletes traveled to Baghdad in order to perform in front of an entire … Continue reading Interview: Riyadh Al Azzawi – Returning To Iraq & What Hosting KGP: Baghdad Means For Iraqi Football

Hassanane BalalLeave a comment
ali adnan, Expat, Features, Hassanane Balal, Iraq, Iraq FA, Nashat Akram

It’s The Duty Of Every Iraqi Football Fan To Support Ali Adnan At Udinese

Iraqis don’t like to hold back their opinions when it comes to football. One can argue that it’s one of the reasons that we love the sport. It gives us an opportunity to discuss, share ideas and even quarrel. For all it’s pains, football brings people together and is one of the few remaining things that bring happiness to us as a nation given the … Continue reading It’s The Duty Of Every Iraqi Football Fan To Support Ali Adnan At Udinese

Hassanane Balal2 Comments
Expat, Features, Guest Writer, Hassanane Balal, Iraq, World Cup u17, Youth Football

5 Reasons Why Iraq Struggles To Produce Quality Young Football Players

Only a real sceptic would argue that there were no positives to be taken from the 2017 World Cup U-17 campaign that saw Iraq defeated by Mali in the last 16 round. However, it is important to acknowledge that the team that is supposedly the best in Asia ended up crashing in the final stages of the tournament. The last two fixtures against England and … Continue reading 5 Reasons Why Iraq Struggles To Produce Quality Young Football Players

Hassanane Balal1 Comment
Club Football, english, Expat, Hassanane Balal, Iraq, News, transfers, yaser kasim

Yaser Kasim Signs With League One Side Northampton Town

Having endured a turbulent time at Swindon Town over the last two seasons, Yaser Kasim has finally left The Robins in search of a new club to reignite his career. The Iraqi international has found his career plateauing following a difficult time with the national team and ongoing fitness issues. Voted as the best Iraqi expat footballer in 2015, Yaser Kasim was considered a certainty … Continue reading Yaser Kasim Signs With League One Side Northampton Town

Hassanane Balal1 Comment
Ali Faez, Expat, Iraq, News

Iraq’s Ali Faez Reveals He’s Keen To Leave Turkish Outfit Rizespor

Following the departure of Ali Hosni, whose tenure lasted all but a few days at Rizespor, it seems that the Turkish club are set to lose on yet another Iraqi youngster. Ali Faez has revealed his frustration at the lack of playing time granted to him at his new side, who he had only joined last the summer. The youngster is said to be interested in moving clubs … Continue reading Iraq’s Ali Faez Reveals He’s Keen To Leave Turkish Outfit Rizespor

Hassanane BalalLeave a comment
Expat, Hassanane Balal, Iraq, Midfielder, News, osama rashid, transfers

Osama Rashid Signs For PFC Lokomotiv Plovdiv

Iraqi international and ex-Holland youth player, Osama Rashid has signed a two year contract with Bulgarian side PFC Lokomotiv Plovdiv. The move follows Osama’s impressive campaign with SC Farense, where the midfielder featured 41 times for the Portuguese outfit and proved instrumental to the side. The 24 year old demonstrated a keen eye for goal, netting eight times for the Leões de Faro as well as assisting … Continue reading Osama Rashid Signs For PFC Lokomotiv Plovdiv

Hassanane Balal1 Comment
english, Expat, Hassanane Balal, Iraq, Iraq Olympics Football, Midfielder, News

Ali Husni Signs For Turkish Side Çaykur Rizespor

Ali Husni Faisal has put pen to paper with Turkish side Çaykur Rizespor for an undisclosed fee. The Iraqi international has signed a five year deal that should keep him at the club until 2021. He will be joining fellow Iraqi international Dhurgham Ismail, who is the club’s current defensive left back. Rizespor play in the Turkish Super Lig, the top division in the country. The … Continue reading Ali Husni Signs For Turkish Side Çaykur Rizespor

Hassanane Balal2 Comments