Sulaymaniyah’s Newroz SC warns of Stars League withdrawal as financial troubles deepen

SULAYMANIYAH — Newroz Sports Club, Sulaymaniyah’s only representative in the Iraqi Stars League, is facing a severe financial crisis following the August arrest of its chairman, Lahur Sheikh Jangi, who also leads the People’s Front party.

One of four Kurdistan Region clubs competing in Iraq’s top football division alongside Duhok, Erbil, and Zakho, Newroz has struggled to pay wages and sustain operations. Players have gone two months without salaries, while administrative staff are five months behind, prompting the club’s management to issue a public appeal for help.

A campaign featuring local celebrities and artists has emerged to encourage ticket sales for home matches, with supporters urged to assist the club financially.

On Saturday, Newroz lost 2–0 to Duhok in Sulaymaniyah but drew widespread backing from fans. Sheikh Jangi’s wife, Gasha Hama Chawshen, and his children attended the match, joining thousands of spectators in the stands.

In a post-match statement, the club thanked fans “from across Kurdistan and abroad for standing with the team.”

An earlier appeal on its official Facebook page called on “fans and supporters from within and outside the country” to help sustain the club, saying, “Now is the time for loyalty, support, and help. Let us keep the flame of Newroz burning.”

Shad Jaza, a member of the club’s media team, told 964media that although some donations have arrived, “the club’s needs are far greater than what we’ve received.” He warned that withdrawal from the Stars League could be the only option if the funding situation does not improve.

“Among all the teams in the league, only Newroz is facing financial problems,” he said, adding that the crisis would reflect poorly on Sulaymaniyah’s officials and business community if the team collapses.

Newroz holds a unique place in the city’s sporting and social identity. Beyond football, it functions as a community and political institution. Its home stadium, which seats more than 14,000 spectators, is regularly filled on match days.

Longtime fans have also voiced concern. “Even though I have nothing to give, I pray for the club’s success,” said Mahbouba Khan, an elderly supporter.

Newroz finished ninth last season with 53 points, having ranked seventh the previous campaign.

Its future remains uncertain after Sheikh Jangi’s arrest. A cousin of Patriotic Union of Kurdistan leader Bafel Talabani, he was the PUK’s co-leader until being removed by Talabani. He later founded the People’s Front. Newroz SC has since become one of the key public platforms associated with his political and civic activities.

His new party won two seats in the 2024 Kurdistan Region parliamentary elections.