A wide wave of controversy swept through social media following the crowning of the Iraqi national team with the title of the King of Thailand Cup, after striker Mohanad Ali "Mimi" scored the only winning goal with a header that decided the final against the hosts.

Mimi faced a massive online backlash on his official Instagram account, after dozens of abusive comments poured in from Thai fans, following a controversial incident that caused an injury to one of their players during the match, which sparked widespread discontent there.

The captain of the Thai national team, Chanathip Songkrasin, said in press statements: "I have never experienced such a deliberate attempt to harm in my football career. I am lucky that the injury is not to the ligaments, but I will undergo a thorough medical examination to assess the extent of the damage." He added: "I felt very angry at that moment, as this should not have happened from player number 10, Mohanad Ali, and it is even stranger that he did not apologize for his behavior, which I see as far from sportsmanship."

In another scene that drew attention during the award ceremony, Iraqi national team coach Graham Arnold asked the King of Thailand to grant him a second medal, before the latter inquired about the reason, later agreeing after the Australian coach clarified.

The Iraqi national team was crowned on Sunday evening with the title of the 51st edition of the King of Thailand International Friendly Cup for 2025, after defeating the hosts by a goal to nil at Kanchanaburi International Stadium, in a match that took place at 4 PM Baghdad time.