The Kurdistan Region Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister received Adnan Dirjal, President of the Iraqi Football Association (IFA), to boost Erbil-Baghdad sports cooperation following Iraq’s historic World Cup qualification. The leaders committed to professionalizing football and upgrading infrastructure to build on the national team's recent international success.

During the meeting with Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Monday, both parties discussed the current status of sports in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq.

"Emphasis was placed on developing cooperation and coordination between the Kurdistan Region and the federal government in the field of sports,” KRG said in a statement.

The IFA president commended the prime minister's support for the sports sector and athletes in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, which has significantly contributed to the advancement and leadership of sports clubs.

Dirjal noted that this support has facilitated numerous notable achievements in both national and international competitions.

Barzani “commended the effective role of the president of the Iraqi Football Association in advancing the sports movement in Iraq and reiterated his full support.”

Deputy PM Discusses Plans to Professionalize and Develop the Sport

In a separate meeting, Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani highlighted that Dirjal “has played an important role in advancing Iraqi football, and reaching the World Cup is a valuable achievement for him and the Iraq Football Association."

He extended congratulations to him and said they had “a fruitful discussion” about joint work to further professionalize football.

Talabani stated that they also discussed collaborating to “further professionalize football, as well as strengthen the level of the clubs and create a solid infrastructure for the education and development of professional players.”

IFA President Presents Gifts

The IFA president presented them with several gifts during the visit, including an official Iraqi national team jersey.