Iraqi soccer referees announce strike over unpaid dues

BAGHDAD — A group of Iraqi soccer referees announced on Sunday that they will suspend officiating league matches during the upcoming round after their financial dues have not been paid for six months, raising the possibility of disruption to several domestic competitions.

In a letter addressed to the Iraqi Football Association’s Referees Committee and League Management Department, the referees said the decision was taken after repeated attempts to resolve the issue without result.

The referees said they continued to officiate matches and fulfill their duties despite the lack of payments, adding that the situation has created financial and professional pressure. They warned that the strike could affect matches in the Iraqi Stars League, the Premier Division, the Iraq Cup and the Second Division League.

According to the letter, the referees said they had shown patience and flexibility while performing their work, but said the continued delay in disbursing dues left them with no alternative but to stop officiating during the next round.

The letter announcing the strike was signed by 37 referees from different domestic competitions and dated Dec. 14, 2025.

The Iraqi Football Association has not issued an official response. If the matter is not resolved, league matches across multiple competitions could be postponed.