One condition for Al-Asfour's return to Iraq

There is widespread uncertainty and a state of heightened anticipation in the Iraqi sports community regarding the fate of young star Montazer Al-Majed, a professional at Hamrabi in the Sweden League, as fans of the Black Falcons await his return to the national team after a long absence, especially following the significant controversy surrounding his absence from the squad in recent major tournaments.

Historical data indicates that Al-Majid, a 21-year-old who is one of the standout names in the Sweden League with 23 matches and 5 goals this season, has only played 4 international matches for Iraq since his debut in the summer of 2024 under Spanish coach Jesús Casas, before his international career was marred by some crises.

Sources have revealed to "Yalla Shoot" that player Muntadhar Al-Majed is set to be present with a 99% likelihood in the ranks of the Iraq national team, with a single condition being that he receives an official invitation in the usual manner followed with the other teammates.

Sources have indicated that a real crisis of confidence has emerged between the player and coach Graham Arnold. The details trace back to the player receiving repeated personal calls from the head coach ahead of the World Cup qualifiers and the Gulf Cup 27, during which the coach praised his abilities and assured him that he was an indispensable element and would be called up. The player was later surprised to find his name missing from the official lists despite those promises.

Al-Majid feels significant discomfort with the lack of credibility in the current methodology, as he believes that personal communication and promises that do not translate into an official call from the Iraq Football Association represent an unacceptable duality. This has previously led him to apologize for his absence.

Sources have confirmed that resolving this impasse is simpler than some might think, as there is no animosity or personal issues between the parties. All that is required is to handle the matter with complete professionalism and send an official call-up request through the administrative channels of the federation, away from verbal promises that may evaporate when announcing the squad.

Al-Majed remains a valuable asset and an exceptional talent as the sports community awaits his return to enrich the right flank of the Lions of Mesopotamia, looking forward to what the coming days will bring in terms of practical steps from the coaching staff and the federation to mend the rift and bring the player back to the national team.