The star of the Iraqi national team, Ali Jassim, who plays for the Italian club Como, is experiencing intense controversy in Iraqi football circles after announcing his travel to Tunisia to join the Olympic national team camp in preparation for the Under-23 Asian Cup, at a time when his club has begun actual preparations for the new season in the Italian league.

Como is currently undergoing its preparatory training sessions, having conducted several friendly matches, alongside making notable signings in preparation for what is expected to be a highly competitive season. However, what stands out is Ali Jassim's continued absence from these preparations, which has raised many questions about his situation with the Italian club and the seriousness of his continued presence in the team's plans for the upcoming season.

Ali Jassim's absence from Como's camp coincided with his immediate joining of the Iraqi Olympic national team, which has sparked significant anger among a wide segment of Iraqi fans who viewed this as an unprofessional act, especially since this stage is considered very sensitive in the player's career with his new team, and it was necessary for him to prove himself and confirm his presence among his new teammates before any other commitment.

Despite the fans' pride in the player representing the national team, the sense of frustration was evident, as many considered that neglecting preparations with Como could affect Ali Jassim's chances of proving his worth in one of the strongest European leagues, especially with the fierce competition expected for key positions in the team after signing a group of distinguished names.

It is noteworthy that Ali Jassim is considered one of the most prominent talents in Iraqi football in recent years and has attracted fans' attention since his brilliance in the youth Asian Cup and the Olympic qualifiers, which made him the focus of many clubs before finally landing in Italy through Como.

However, today, his European career seems to be at a crossroads, amid questions about his ability to balance international commitments with professional ambition, given expectations that European clubs will increase their scrutiny of him and hold him accountable for every absence and every delay in training discipline.

While fans strive to support the player, they do not hide their concern that such steps could lead to a decline in Ali Jassim's chances of securing a starting position, thus losing a precious opportunity for a talented player that fans have long dreamed of seeing at the highest levels.