Former player Riyad Mazhar made harsh statements after the end of the quarter-final matches of the Iraq Cup, considering that the timing of the tournament is inappropriate and that it has lost much of its significance due to the current agenda.

Mazhar said:

"The cup tournament at this timing has no real technical value; most teams are fielding exhausted players or substitutes, and everyone is not looking at the cup as much as they are looking at the Iraqi national team file."

He added:

"The situation has become clear... players are giving their all to catch the attention of coach Arnold, and every match has become like a personal test for each player dreaming of entering the national team's roster."

He concluded his remarks:

"I hope there will be a reconsideration of the tournament schedule, because the cup should be held under conditions that allow teams to present their best, not to turn into a marginal stop at the end of a tough season."