Arab refereeing crews to officiate the top matches of round 11

Football fans in the Iraqi sports scene are looking forward to two heavyweight clashes in the 11th round of the Iraq Stars League for the 2026-2027 season. The followers are anticipating the showdown between Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya and Al Talaba on Thursday, followed by the major classic clash between Al Zawraa and Al-Police on Friday.

The Football Association has begun making all necessary technical, organizational, and logistical arrangements to ensure that these two matches take place in the best possible manner, amid expectations of a noisy crowd in the stands that reflects the great heritage held by the four pillars of the capital.

The official data released by the federation clarified that the referees' committee made a decisive decision to assign the task of officiating the Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya and Al Talaba derby, scheduled for Thursday, to an international Kuwaiti refereeing crew led by referee Abdullah Jamali. Meanwhile, an international Egyptian refereeing crew led by referee Mahmoud Basyouni will officiate the anticipated clash between Al Zawraa and Al-Police on Friday.

Sources have revealed to "Yalla Shoot" that the decision to employ Arab officiating crews came primarily to absorb and reduce the immense psychological and media pressures placed on local match officials.

Sources indicate that these major clashes are characterized by extreme sensitivity and fierce competitiveness both on and off the field, making it difficult to control the proceedings without a refereeing cover that has experience in dealing with the heated, passionate atmosphere.

The data indicated that the Football Association relies on cooperation protocols with brotherly Arab federations to ensure the highest levels of fairness and neutrality and to minimize any potential impacts of refereeing decisions on the course and results of sensitive matches.

The organizing committee confirmed that the event will take place at the Al-Madina International Stadium in Baghdad, which will host the matches sequentially. A precise organization will ensure that the seating distribution is equal, with 50% allocated to each team, in a move aimed at igniting the enthusiasm of the stands and giving supporters the opportunity to back their clubs in a distinctive and safe organizational atmosphere.