In a press conference held today Thursday at the Iraqi Football Association headquarters, the second vice president of the association, former international star Younis Mahmoud, announced his great ambition to run for the presidency of the association, confirming that his election program will be realistic and tangible, far from unrealistic proposals that cannot be implemented on the ground.

Mahmoud explained that his electoral project, which he presented earlier, was in collaboration with the current president Adnan Darjal, but he pointed out that his ambition today has become greater than the position of vice president, stressing that if Darjal wins a second term, he will support him and assist him in his journey, in the interest of Iraqi football.

Mahmoud indicated that his candidacy for the presidency is a natural matter given his long experience and significant background in the fields and management, noting that some differences in viewpoints with Darjal did not prevent continued cooperation, but at the same time he has his own visions and dreams that he seeks to achieve, while fully believing in teamwork and the spirit of a united team.

In discussing the document regarding the freezing of the president of the association Adnan Darjal, which has recently been raised, Younis Mahmoud categorically denied its validity, explaining that it was merely an inquiry document and nothing more, confirming that some disagreements within the association have been exaggerated by the media, while the reality proves that they are simple issues that do not reach the level of major division.

Mahmoud also emphasized that the upcoming elections are proceeding according to their scheduled timetable and there is no reason to postpone them, indicating that the work of the organizing committees is sound and progressing normally. He confirmed that his responsibility to the general assembly that granted him trust obliges him to be familiar with all the details of the association and its future plans.

Mahmoud talked about his main priorities in case he assumes the presidency of the association, revealing that the Iraqi Football Association does not yet have an official headquarters or its own stadiums, a matter he presented to the Prime Minister who expressed surprise at this situation, confirming that this file will be at the top of his concerns.

Mahmoud concluded his remarks by affirming that the national team will remain distant from all administrative disputes, stressing that supporting the team and assisting it in its journey to qualify for the World Cup finals represents a major national mission, and that the entire Iraqi people dreams of achieving this achievement.