Iraq Football Federation to cut Stars League to 18 teams from 2027-28

BAGHDAD, Iraq — The Iraqi Football Federation has announced a new promotion and relegation system for its Stars League, reducing the number of clubs to 18 starting from the 2027-28 season. Under the changes, the bottom four teams in the standings, finishing 17th to 20th, will be relegated to the Iraqi First League. The federation said the First League champion and runner-up will be promoted directly to the Stars League, without a playoff. The number of clubs will be reduced gradually, with 20 teams competing in the 2026-27 season before the cut takes effect the following year. The upcoming Stars League season is set to begin in August and run until May 2027. The federation said the restructuring is intended to align the domestic competition schedule with modern football standards, and added that further steps to reorganize the league in coming seasons will continue.