The Iraqi football disciplinary committee has imposed a lifetime stadium ban on a Zakho supporter after he lowered an Iraqi flag during his club’s match against Quwa al-Jawiya at Zakho Stadium.
The committee identified the supporter as Sarkar Khalid Walid and said he had already received a separate ban from Zakho Football Club. The club prohibited him from entering its stadium and attending matches or events that it organizes or hosts.
However, the committee determined that the club’s internal measures did not remove the need for further disciplinary action. Instead, it issued a nationwide stadium ban because officials considered the incident a serious violation involving the Iraqi flag.
The committee approved the decision unanimously. Nevertheless, Walid retains the right to appeal the ruling under the applicable disciplinary procedures.
Meanwhile, the committee commended Zakho for its response and cooperation following the incident. The club had acted against the supporter before the national disciplinary body announced its own punishment.
The decision comes as Iraqi football authorities continue to enforce disciplinary measures surrounding conduct inside stadiums. In particular, officials have emphasized the importance of maintaining order and respecting national symbols during football matches.
In a separate decision, the Iraqi football disciplinary committee punished Zakho player Amjad Attwan and team supervisor Mahdi Karim following incidents during the club’s 4-0 defeat against Zawraa on August 29.
The committee fined both men one million Iraqi dinars each, equivalent to roughly $650, and suspended each for one match. According to the disciplinary decision, the referee reported Attwan’s conduct toward the match official, while Karim entered the pitch and used abusive language.
As a result, neither Attwan nor Karim can participate in their respective team duties until they pay the imposed fines. The sanctions also remain subject to appeal.
The separate cases highlight the disciplinary authority’s approach toward conduct involving players, staff and supporters. While the lifetime ban represents the most severe punishment in the latest decisions, the financial penalties and match suspensions also underline the consequences officials can face for violating competition rules.
At the same time, the committee’s decision regarding the supporter reflects the importance authorities place on protecting national symbols at sporting events. Football matches across Iraq regularly attract large crowds, making stadium behavior an important issue for clubs and governing bodies.
For Zakho, the ruling adds another disciplinary issue following the team’s heavy defeat to Zawraa. Nevertheless, the club’s cooperation with authorities received recognition from the committee.
The Iraqi football disciplinary committee can still review appeals submitted against the latest decisions, meaning the penalties could face further consideration under the established disciplinary process.
