Adnan Dirjal Bids Farewell to the Iraqi National Team Players

Adnan Dirjal, the former president of the Iraqi Football Association, sent a farewell message to the national team players after officially ending his duties following his loss in the executive office elections held last Saturday at the Al-Rashid Hotel in Baghdad.

The Iraqi national team is currently continuing its training camp in Girona, Spain, in preparation for participating in the 2026 World Cup finals to be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The camp will continue until the fifth of June before the delegation travels to compete in the World Cup.

Dirjal published his message through his official accounts, addressing the players as their "father and elder brother." He urged them to place Iraq's name above any consideration and focus on one goal, which is to bring joy to the fans who await the team's return to the World Cup after a 40-year absence.

He said in his message: "Keep Iraq in your sights, and think of nothing but bringing joy to millions. Adhere to your coach's and technical staff's instructions, maintain your training, and do not distract yourselves with anything other than giving your best on the field, because your homeland is a trust upon you, and your people deserve that."

He added: "Here we are returning to the World Cup after a long struggle, with the determination of men who believed that Iraq deserves nothing but victory. Perhaps circumstances did not allow me to be with you or close to you, but God knows that my heart and the hearts of Iraqis are with you, and our hands are raised in prayer for you. Raise Iraq's name high as we have always known you to do; you are the hope and the banner around which your beloved people rally."

Dirjal was closely involved with the national team details over the past years, personally overseeing the delegation and having a close relationship with the technical staff led by Australian Graham Arnold and the players. His departure from the association marks the end of his administrative role, but he was keen to leave a morale-boosting message before the global event kicks off.

Meanwhile, Younis Mahmoud, the new president of the association, is moving to hold an upcoming meeting with Arnold in Spain, after confirming his commitment to the coach and granting him full authority to lead the team in the World Cup.