Al Talaba resolve key issues ahead of new season

Al Talaba have successfully overcome a major obstacle ahead of the new season of the Iraqi Premier League, having settled outstanding dues that had led to a ban on registering new players.

The club's main issue was overdue financial obligations from last season, specifically to former coach Talal Al-Balushi. The delay in payment was due to a hold-up in funding from the club's supporting body, which is the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research.

Al-Balushi has turned to FIFA to claim his rights after not receiving them on time, leading the case to legal proceedings.

According to informed sources, FIFA has sent an official notice to Al Talaba's management informing them of a ban on registering new players that the club has signed at the request of the coaching staff, should the amount not be settled.

Sources have confirmed that Al Talaba's management has paid $80,000 to FIFA today.

The amount includes $68,000 owed to the former coach, in addition to a $12,000 penalty.

A decision to lift the ban is expected to be announced within 72 hours, allowing the club to officially register its new signings.

The management of Al-Aniq is eagerly awaiting a decision regarding the possibility of including new players in the opening match against Diyala next Saturday. If the decision is delayed, coach Ali Reza Mansourian will not be able to field the new players in the match.

Al Talaba finished last season 2025-2026 in sixth place in the Iraqi Premier League with 65 points, after 18 wins, 11 draws, and 9 losses. The team did not achieve the desired goal of being in the top four, which prompted the management to take strong action this summer to strengthen the squad.

In the transfer file, the club was unable to complete the signing of striker Ibrahim Tomio, the former Al-Zawraa player, due to administrative issues related to the expiration of his residency in Iraq and several violations for not renewing it, which prevented him from obtaining a new entry visa to the country.

Al Talaba aim to put financial crises behind them and focus on the technical side to deliver a better season and satisfy the fans of 'the Elegant' who are waiting for the team to compete for the top spots.

The club hopes that lifting the ban will give coach Mansourian full options ahead of the first matches of the season, especially since the league starts this week and every point will be important in a long journey.