CAS again rejects bid to suspend Iraq Football Federation operations

BAGHDAD, Iraq — GENEVA — The Court of Arbitration for Sport has rejected for a second time a request by former Iraq Football Federation president Adnan Dirjal to suspend the activities of the federation's current executive committee, a decision that allows the committee under President Younes Mahmoud to remain in office. Legal expert Nizar Ahmed said the ruling preserves the sitting committee's authority to continue its work. CAS had issued an earlier rejection on August 8, also turning down Dirjal's application to halt or freeze the federation's operations pending the outcome of the legal proceedings. Under that ruling, the current board was to remain in place until the case is fully adjudicated. Dirjal filed his appeal with CAS in response to the results and conduct of the Iraq Football Federation elections held in Baghdad in May. Mahmoud received 38 votes in that vote, compared with 20 for Dirjal, whose complaint alleges irregularities and violations during the election process. CAS is expected to examine the documents submitted by both sides and consider the case within its legal framework. No further details on a hearing schedule were immediately available.