Najaf sports club chair says club debt reaches 3.2 billion dinars

NAJAF, Iraq — The chairman of Najaf Sports Club, Ammar Necm, said the club's debt has reached 3.2 billion dinars, attributing the financial strain to outstanding obligations, limited revenue and a need for comprehensive maintenance at the Najaf International Stadium. Necm identified the club's main revenue sources as rental income from more than 100 shops around the former stadium and other investment projects. The new administration has asked the governor of Najaf to set up expert committees to review the club's financial files, Necm said, adding that a $1 million sponsorship agreement had been signed with Najaf International Airport. The funds will be distributed over 10 months to support the first team. The club owes foreign players around $500,000, while local players are owed 550 million dinars from last season on top of 3.2 billion dinars in older debts, according to Necm. He said the board is working to reduce operating costs, has renovated the players' accommodation wing and completed maintenance on the generators. Necm estimated that the Najaf International Stadium needs comprehensive maintenance at a cost of roughly $500,000 and called on city residents and business owners to support the club.