Basim Qasim, the coach of Erbil team, hinted at leaving the team soon, despite the strong and good start the team achieved in the Iraqi Stars League, topping the league table for several rounds before results recently declined.

Erbil appeared outstanding this season, with a strong start and the brilliance of a group of players, specifically the team's striker Mustafa Qabil and the Uzbek professional Sherzod Temirov, the tournament's top scorer.

Basim Qasim told winwin: "The Erbil team has achieved some positive results so far this season, even though the beginning, to be honest, was not easy. At that time, the election issue played a role in the general scene, and there was significant support for the football team; however, it was not at the required or stable level, so we suffered financially since the league started."

He added: "Even while we were at the top of the standings, we faced real financial difficulties. Some talked about large numbers and contracts, but I was keen on adhering to the club's capabilities because I know very well that providing those funds was not easy at that time, as deals were studied and as much as possible, without requesting large financial deals."

The Erbil coach pointed out the financial differences between his club and some top clubs, saying: "Fans have the right to aspire for the best, especially when the team is leading, but it is also our duty to be honest. Our financial capabilities cannot be compared to clubs like Al-Shorta, Al-Zawraa, Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya, Al-Karma, Zakho, and others. We work with very modest capabilities."

Regarding contracts, the coach explained: "Even in the contracts file, we attracted five professional players for a total amount ranging between 348 to 350 thousand dollars, which is a limited number compared to the transfer market. We did not bring players worth millions of dollars as rumored. Only one player was valued at around 300 thousand dollars, and his card was sold to the Al-Shorta team."

Qasim addressed the salary crisis, saying: "I am keen not to burden the audience with any responsibility or create additional pressure on the players; but recently, we reached a difficult stage. Some players informed the management that they would not enter training after this match unless their overdue dues for two months or more are paid."

The Erbil coach stated: "I demanded from the administrative body two main points: first, holding an official press conference to clarify all financial facts and what was agreed upon before taking the task, with full transparency in front of the sports community and Erbil fans, so everyone knows the real capabilities of the club. Second, setting a clear mechanism to ensure players' salaries."

He concluded his talk by saying: "If these matters are clarified transparently, even if there is a delay in salaries, the audience will understand the situation, and we will continue to work until the end of the season with one spirit. But if the points are not put on the letters, the situation will be different, because the responsibility is great, and ambiguity cannot continue. We hope to prioritize the club's interest."

It is worth noting that Erbil ranked 12th in the Iraqi league standings last season, and it currently ranks fourth with 37 points, just 6 points behind the leader Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya.