The Disciplinary Committee of the Iraqi Football Association decided on Monday to declare the Al-Talaba first football team as the loser of their third round match in the Iraqi Stars League against Al-Naft team with a 0-3 score for fielding a player wearing two different numbers.

The committee stated in a release: “The Disciplinary Committee of the Iraqi Football Association convened to discuss the report of the match observer for the Al-Naft and Al-Talaba teams within the Iraqi Stars League competitions held at the ‘Saher Ahmed Radhi’ stadium in Baghdad, which ended in a 0-0 draw in the third round. The report mentioned (Al-Talaba fielded player Mustafa Mohammed Ma’an wearing number (34), while the match form showed the player’s number as (32), and the player received a yellow card in the 16th minute. After recording the caution, it was found that the club did not have any player with number (34), while the club responded that it was a mistake during the submission of names in the system).”

It added: “We clarify that Article (56-N) of the Disciplinary and Ethical Regulations states (Any violation of the union or association regulations upon their formation or the organizing body that results in a player participating in the match shall be borne by the club management and match supervisor). Since the above player committed a clear and explicit violation, the club management and match supervisor bear responsibility.”

The committee continued, “Accordingly, the committee decided to consider Al-Talaba team as the loser (0-3) in their match against Al-Naft team, with a financial fine of (5,000,000) five million dinars based on the provisions of Article (56-2) of the Disciplinary and Ethical Regulations for the 2025-2026 season.”

The decision was issued by majority and is subject to appeal.