Baghdad's Al-Shaab Stadium handed over to clubs in unfit condition, official says

BAGHDAD, Iraq — The general manager of the company overseeing Baghdad's Al-Shaab Stadium project said the facility was handed over to the Air Force Club and Al-Talaba clubs in a state unfit for use. Falah Munfi told local media that the Ministry of Youth and Sports transferred the stadium to the two clubs as their home ground without it being match-ready. Munfi said wear on the pitch and in some facilities stemmed from the ministry's failure to assign specialist personnel to manage and maintain the stadium, and that it was delivered to the clubs without the required preparation and upkeep work. He described the condition of one of Baghdad's most prominent stadiums as reflecting neglect, calling it regrettable that an architecturally notable facility had fallen into such a state. Air Force Club and Al-Talaba will be unable to play matches at Al-Shaab Stadium in the first three rounds of the 2026-2027 Iraqi Stars League. No further details were immediately available on plans to bring the venue up to standard.