Security Concerns Raise Fears Among Iraqi Premier League Players

A number of professional players participating in the Iraqi Premier League have expressed their concerns about continuing the competitions amidst the recent security developments in the region, particularly the tensions resulting from the war in Iran, emphasizing the need to consider their safety and the safety of the fans before any sporting considerations.

With the Iraqi league entering its twentieth phase, the Iraqi Football Association faces pressure to manage match schedules after previous postponements due to Iraq's participation in the Asian qualifiers, resorting to compressing matches to compensate for lost periods.

Coach Ali Abdul Jabbar, coach of the Naft Maysan team, said in exclusive statements to winwin: "I see that postponing the league at this time is a necessary step to protect players and fans, especially with the suspension of air navigation and its accompanying negative impacts on movements and transportation. People's lives come first before any match or tournament, and football should be played in stable and safe conditions."

Abdul Jabbar added: "The current situation requires a realistic assessment of the risks. Continuing the competitions amidst this tension places players under significant psychological pressure, affecting their focus and technical performance. The players' fear is not limited to my team alone but includes most of the league teams."

The coach explained that some players have requested to refrain from training out of fear for their lives and their families' lives, confirming that these fears have clearly impacted the training atmosphere and mental focus, making it difficult to maintain optimal technical performance during these conditions.

Abdul Jabbar pointed out that postponing the league could present a positive opportunity if utilized correctly, saying: "The break period can be used to better prepare the Iraqi national team for the World Cup qualifying playoff match, which is a top priority for Iraqi football. Taking advantage of this period may give players enough time for physical and technical training without external pressures."

He concluded by saying: "Any decision at this stage must prioritize everyone's safety, with coordination between security and sports authorities to ensure the protection of players and fans, so that the league can resume in a natural and safe environment. We understand the decision is difficult, but the current circumstances call for caution and vigilance."

It is worth mentioning that several areas in Iraq have recently witnessed shelling, increasing fears of the impact of security tensions on league matches, and raising repeated demands from players and officials to postpone the competition to preserve lives and the safety of all parties.