Iraq’s legendary national football icon Younis Mahmoud has been officially elected as the new President of the Iraqi Football Association (IFA), following a decisive vote at the governing body's general assembly on Saturday.

The high-stakes elective congress, held in the capital city of Baghdad, saw the legendary former captain secure the federation's top executive seat by capturing 38 votes from the assembly delegates.

A New Chapter for Iraqi Football Governance

Mahmoud, who famously captained the Iraqi national team to their historic AFC Asian Cup victory in 2007, transitions into the highest echelon of domestic sports administration at a critical juncture. The elections were heavily monitored by domestic sports figures and regional football representatives, as the IFA looks to modernize its league structures, upgrade stadium infrastructure, and enhance the national team's competitive standing on the global stage.

Mandate to Elevate the Domestic Game

The newly elected president is expected to immediately address systemic structural reforms within the Iraqi Stars League and strengthen grassroots development programs across the country. With his deep background in international football and widespread popularity, Mahmoud’s administration enters office with a strong mandate to bring long-term institutional stability and financial transparency to the country's most prominent sporting federation.