Kirkuk Olympic Stadium remains unfinished after six Iraqi governments

KIRKUK, Iraq — Construction of an Olympic Stadium in Kirkuk, begun years ago, has yet to be completed because of administrative, legal and financial obstacles, and athletes and residents are calling for the project to be finished. The stadium has failed to move beyond opening pledges despite roughly six successive Iraqi governments and multiple changes of the country's Minister of Youth and Sports. Sports journalist Rizkar Shawani described the project as one of Iraq's most complicated sports files, saying dozens of promises had not translated into concrete steps. Another journalist, Cengiz Yasin, said local clubs have been forced to play matches outside the province, adding extra financial and logistical costs. Anmar Hasan said public confidence in officials' pledges has eroded and that the delay has harmed the province's youth and sports sector. Varya Jalal, head of North Gas Sports Club, said the team recently earned promotion to the Iraqi Stars League and has begun efforts to host home matches at the Nur Stadium in Sulaymaniyah because of the missing venue. Officials said legal disputes with contracting companies, some of which have been taken to court, have halted progress, and added that Kirkuk deserves a facility befitting its sporting record.