Ghaith Al-Maaroufi Responds to Match-Fixing Allegations!!

Tunisian Ghaith Al-Maaroufi, player of Al-Talaba Club, broke his silence to respond to the accusations directed at him after his team's loss to his former team Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya 1-2 in the Baghdad Derby, as part of the 35th round of the Iraq Stars League.

The player categorically denied the rumors about his involvement in match-fixing, asserting that what happened was merely a bad day on the technical level, and called for accuracy before making accusations.

Al-Maaroufi began his statement by admitting the decline in his performance during the match, saying: "Today I was not at my best, and this is the first match since the start of the season where I did not show the level I aspire to, and I admit that."

The admission came amid public criticism of several Al-Talaba players after the loss, which froze the team's points at 62 in fifth place, officially distancing them from the top-four race.

However, the Tunisian player emphasized that acknowledging a technical decline does not mean accepting accusations that harm integrity and morals. He said: "But to accuse me of selling the match, that is a great injustice. Have mercy on us. I fear God before I fear anyone."

Al-Maaroufi added that his record is known to Iraqi fans since he joined the league, pointing out that he always plays with conscience and gives his all on the field regardless of the opponent's identity. "Everyone who knows me in Iraq knows that I play with conscience and give my all on the field," he said.

The player sent a direct message to Al-Talaba fans, affirming that players enter every match with the intention to win and give their utmost. "We enter every match and give 1000% of our effort, and Al-Talaba fans know this well," explaining that the final result in football does not always reflect the effort expended.

Al-Maaroufi concluded his response by affirming his adherence to his religious and moral values, saying: "God is sufficient for me, and He is the best disposer of affairs. I am a man, and throughout my life, I have placed God above everything, and my faith in God is stronger than anything. Praise be to God, Lord of all worlds."