Iraq Football Federation announces wide-ranging reforms after 2026 World Cup cycle

BAGHDAD, Iraq — The Iraqi Football Federation held a broad meeting at the Star League headquarters in Baghdad under President Younes Mahmoud, with Vice Presidents Sarmad Abdula and Mohammed Nasser, board members and the federation's general secretariat in attendance. The meeting, held during the transition period following the 2026 World Cup, focused on restructuring the national teams and the administrative-technical framework of Iraqi football. Mahmoud called for the implementation of comprehensive strategic plans to advance Iraqi football at both administrative and technical levels. A senior committee comprising Mahmoud, Abdula and Nasser was established to conduct contract negotiations with Australian head coach Arnold. The board also approved the termination of all staff working with the national team and decided to hold a dedicated conference bringing together specialists, clubs and football circles. A separate committee was formed to organize the West Asian U-16 Championship in Iraq on August 24, 2026, while the referees' committee was restructured. In coordination with Iraq's Foreign Ministry, a cooperation protocol with the British Embassy was activated to support the development of women's football. No further details on the timelines for the reforms were immediately available.