Baghdad: The Iraqi Football Association held a ceremony in the capital city on Friday evening to mark the launch of the Iraqi Stars League. The event drew significant attendance, including the association's president and members, notable sports figures, journalists, and media representatives.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the Acting Minister of Youth and Sports, Mohammed Nouri, expressed at the ceremony the government's commitment to collaborating with the association in a bid to qualify for the 2030 World Cup, describing it as a cherished dream for fans. Nouri highlighted the government's focus on prioritizing the youth and sports sector, aiming to enhance sports development and elevate Iraq's presence in international forums. He also assured the audience of the government's support for all national teams through the National Olympic Committee and various sports federations.

Aqeel Muftan, head of the Olympic Committee, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing Iraq's potential for sports advancement. He called for increased government support, particularly in sports marketing and financial attraction to federations, to reduce dependency on state funding. Muftan revealed his proposal to upgrade the facilities at Al-Shaab International Stadium, transforming it into a beacon for the Olympic Games.

In a nod to technological advancement, Younis Mahmoud, President of the Iraqi Football Association, announced plans to engage a foreign company specializing in technical analysis to elevate the league's technical standards. This initiative is expected to foster a qualitative improvement in match analysis and overall league quality.

The ceremony also featured a poignant tribute to the late football legend Ahmed Radhi, who was virtually present through artificial intelligence, offering a symbolic moment for attendees. The association further announced that the inaugural round of the 2026/2027 Iraqi Stars League is scheduled to commence on Friday, August 14th.