Baghdad: Former Al-Zawraa goalkeeper Hussein Hassan has made headlines by breaking his release clause to secure a move to Erbil FC, where he will compete in the Iraqi Premier League next season.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Hassan sought a starting role after Al-Zawraa's management failed to uphold their promise of making him the first-choice goalkeeper following Jalal Hassan's departure. Instead of fulfilling their commitment, Al-Zawraa signed Ahmed Basil without offering an explanation for the change in plans.

Hassan revealed that he sought a new opportunity that guaranteed him a starting position, leading to an agreement with Erbil on a loan deal. However, Al-Zawraa's management pulled out of the arrangement, even though Erbil was prepared to pay 150 million dinars.

He further mentioned that Al-Zawraa's management encouraged him to break his release clause rather than proceed with a loan, to maintain their reputation with fans. Consequently, Hassan appealed to the Players' Affairs Committee and paid the 280 million dinar release clause, facilitating his official transfer to Erbil.