Iraqi Football Federation rejects misconduct allegations ahead of World Cup

BAGHDAD, Iraq — The Iraqi Football Federation has firmly rejected allegations of "misconduct and unruly behavior" involving the national team currently competing at the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. In a written statement, the federation said media reports and social media posts claiming players and staff acted indisciplinately at the training camp, engaged in misconduct or visited entertainment venues were unfounded. The federation said the players and delegation members have fully complied with the established administrative and technical regulations, and that the training camp has been kept under strict supervision. It added that the coaching and administrative staff have monitored the team's activities on an ongoing basis. According to the statement, the allegations appear aimed at disrupting the players' concentration during a critical phase of the World Cup and at damaging the reputation of Iraq's sporting community. The federation called on media outlets and individuals spreading the claims to provide evidence and warned that legal action would be taken against anyone found to have published false news, insults or defamation.