Category: Iraq FA

2022 World Cup Qualifiers, Corruption, Expat, Iraq, Iraq FA

Why Is Nobody Talking About The Quota The Iraqi FA Has Placed On Expat Players In Matchday Squads?

Whilst Katanec announces his squad for the upcoming World Cup Qualifiers with Iraq taking on Hong Kong in Basra, then playing Cambodia away from home, some Iraqi fans will be asking why there is such a shortage of expat players present the squad. Firstly, lets examine the term ‘expat’ – The Iraqi FA seem to see their own players who happened to be born outside … Continue reading Why Is Nobody Talking About The Quota The Iraqi FA Has Placed On Expat Players In Matchday Squads?

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Features, Hassanane Balal, Iraq, Iraq FA

‪The Unveiling Of Najaf’s 30,000 Capacity Stadium To Signal A New Chapter For Iraqi Football‬

Now that FIFA have finally lifted their ban on Iraq hosting international matches, both the Iraqi FA and Ministry of Youth and Sport have been keen on arranging several friendlies for their eager fans. Monday will see Iraq take on Palestine in yet another home game for Iraq, where the FA can showcase their ability to successfully welcome international teams on Iraqi soil. The Basra … Continue reading ‪The Unveiling Of Najaf’s 30,000 Capacity Stadium To Signal A New Chapter For Iraqi Football‬

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Features, Hassanane Balal, Iraq, Iraq FA, News

FIFA Finally Lifts The Ban On Iraq Hosting International Football

Decades of torment and instability have left football as a final glimmer of hope that continues to unify Iraqis against all odds. FIFA’s decision to sanction Saddam Hussain following his invasion of Kuwait in 1990 resulted in Iraq being banned from hosting international matches. Nearly three decades on from the initial ban, Iraqis will be delighted to see FIFA finally lift that ban on their homeland. … Continue reading FIFA Finally Lifts The Ban On Iraq Hosting International Football

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Basim Kasim, Hassanane Balal, Iraq, Iraq FA, News

Exclusive – Iraq Looking To Appoint Experienced Aussie To Replace Basim Qasim

Ongoing uncertainty regarding Basim Qasim’s future has resulted in the Iraqi FA contacting various foreign managers in search of a replacement for the Asian Cup 2019. The national team has an atrocious record with manager selection, where Hakim Shakir, Akram Salman, Yahya Alwan, Radhi Shenaishil and Basim Qasim have all taken charge since the last Asian cup in 2015. There are claims that the FA … Continue reading Exclusive – Iraq Looking To Appoint Experienced Aussie To Replace Basim Qasim

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Corruption, Hassanane Balal, Iraq, Iraq FA

“The Iraqi FA Keeps 60% Of The Annual Budget As Salaries” – Younis Mahmoud

As the dust settles from Iraq’s atrocious performance against UAE in the Gulf Cup semi final loss, more and more people are starting to speak out against the appalling corruption that is holding back Iraqi football. Early in the week, Iraqfootball.me was highly critical of the Iraqi FA’s treatment of the ‘Golden Generation’. However, after yesterday’s result, Younis Mahmoud has launched a devastating attack on … Continue reading “The Iraqi FA Keeps 60% Of The Annual Budget As Salaries” – Younis Mahmoud

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Corruption, Features, Hassanane Balal, Iraq, Iraq FA, Nashat Akram

How Our FA Has Failed Iraqi Football & The ‘Golden Generation’

Nashat Akram and Noor Sabri were recently featured on Abu Dhabi Sport to discuss Iraq’s hopes of hosting the 24th edition of the Gulf Cup. With the president of Iraq’s FA, Abdul Khaliq Masood, also present, the show proved to be a tense affair with some heated dialogue and interesting points raised. Amongst the areas of discussion, questions were asked of the Iraqi FA’s poor … Continue reading How Our FA Has Failed Iraqi Football & The ‘Golden Generation’

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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

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

Russia 2018 WCQ Match Review – Iraq 1-1 Japan

Basim Qasim’s first competitive fixture as Iraqi manager ended with mixed responses as his side battled it out with a strong Japanese side. With no chance of qualification and Radhi Shenaishil no longer in charge of the national team, this was an opportunity for Basim Qasim to possibly try out new tactics or take risks he would usually be reluctant to try. A return to … Continue reading Russia 2018 WCQ Match Review – Iraq 1-1 Japan

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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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friendly, Hassanane Balal, Iraq, Iraq FA, Match Review, News

Match Review – Iraq 1-0 Jordan – Basra Hosts Home Fixture as Football Returns To Mesopotamia

Following a recent u-turn from FIFA to partially remove the ban on Iraq from hosting international home matches, the Iraqi FA were quick to celebrate this opportunity by arranging an official friendly tie with neighboring rivals Jordan. Football was well and truly coming home as the Lions of Mesopotamia took to the field on home soil for the first time since 2013. The Basra Sport … Continue reading Match Review – Iraq 1-0 Jordan – Basra Hosts Home Fixture as Football Returns To Mesopotamia

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