Player Montadhar Al-Majed, star of the Iraqi national team and Swedish team Hammarby, commented on the significant controversy surrounding his apology for participating with the Lions of Mesopotamia in preparation for the matches against the UAE in the Asian playoff qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.

The Iraqi Football Association officially announced that Al-Majed apologized for joining the national team camp in Abu Dhabi due to a health issue and his need for rest, which sparked some criticism from journalists and some former players in Iraq, along with rumors about his condition of needing to play as a starter or feeling wronged.

Al-Majed responded to this news, saying: "I am fully aware that being called up to the national team does not necessarily mean that I will be a starter; I could be on the bench or even outside the squad. Despite that, I have never hesitated to answer the call of my country, I have not bargained, and I have not set conditions. I have never hesitated to wear the Iraq jersey, as it is an invaluable honor."

He revealed details of his conversation with the national team coach Graham Arnold: "I spoke with the coach clearly and frankly, and I explained to him that I am suffering from an injury coinciding with a minor health issue, and for this reason, I apologized for joining this particular gathering. The coach accepted the situation with respect and requested a medical report, which I officially sent to the Iraqi Football Association and Hammarby."

The player indicated that the news about him requiring to play as a starter is pure fabrication.

He clarified: "I am a professional player, and the decision to participate or not is up to the coach, and I respect any decision he makes, even if I am not included in the squad. In previous matches, I did not cause any problems, and my message to the fans is not to believe everything that is published, for I am, as you have known me, a player for Iraq first and last."