Baghdad: The management of Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya Club decided to terminate the contract of coach Fathi Al-Jabali and dismiss him from his position as the team’s technical director, on the eve of the team’s 0-1 loss to Uzbekistan’s Neftchi FC on Monday evening, in the first round of the AFC Champions League.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the decision to part ways with Al-Jabali came as a direct consequence of the team’s performance in the crucial match against Neftchi FC. The loss marked a disappointing start to Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya’s campaign in the AFC Champions League, prompting the club’s management to take swift action in hopes of improving the team’s prospects in upcoming matches.

The club’s decision underscores the pressure on coaches to deliver results in high-stakes tournaments like the AFC Champions League. Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya, known for its competitive spirit and historical success, aims to make substantial progress in the tournament, and the management felt a change in leadership was necessary to achieve this goal.