Former Iraq football chief criticizes Federation's licensing commission over poor pitch conditions

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Former Iraq Football Federation president Hussein Said has criticized the federation's licensing commission, saying the playing surfaces at two grounds used in the opening week of the new season were unfit for competitive matches. Said, who now serves as an adviser to the Iraqi Olympic Committee, said the pitches at Zakho and Diyala were in poor condition and unsuitable for play. Speaking after the first round of fixtures, he said the licensing commission should have monitored the preparation of the stadiums continuously before the season began and asked what responsibility clubs should bear when their grounds are not ready at the start of the 2026-2027 season. Despite the criticism, both clubs began the season with home wins on Saturday. Zakho defeated visiting North Gas 1-0, while Diyala came from a goal down to beat its visiting opponent 2-1.