Iraqi Championship. 1st Division
The Iraqi Premier League, or Liga Mansiya, is the top tier of Iraqi football, featuring 20 elite clubs battling for supremacy across Baghdad, Basra, and beyond. This competition blends Middle Eastern passion with gritty determination, producing national team stars and contenders for Asian club tournaments amid a landscape of resilient fanbases.
History and foundation
Founded in 1974 as the Iraqi Elite League, it evolved into its current form in 2009 after merging regional divisions. The 1980s marked a golden era with Olympic silver in 1980 and Asian Cup triumphs. Wars and sanctions disrupted play – the 1990 season halted due to the Kuwait invasion, and 2003 saw cancellation amid the US-led intervention. Revival came in 2004 with Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya's postwar title. Notably, in 2013, provincial Al-Suwaiq from Ramadi shocked the establishment by clinching the championship, highlighting the league's regional diversity.
Tournament format
Running from October to August, teams contest a double round-robin of 38 matches. The champion earns the title, AFC Champions League qualification, and Iraqi Super Cup entry. Bottom two clubs relegate to the Second Division, with the third facing playoffs. VAR was introduced in 2021 on major venues, enhancing officiating. Recent formats include 'golden' and 'silver' groups for postseason playoffs.
Interesting facts
Average goals per match hover at 2.4, spiking to 4 in Baghdad derbies. All-time top scorer Ahmed Rahman (Al-Shorta) netted 36 in 1979/80; recent standouts include Ahmed Yusuf (Al-Quwa, 18 in 2022/23) and Ali Hussein (Al-Zawraa). Icons like Osama Haji, 2007 national captain, and 1980s legend Munir Jalil shone here. Current stars: Ayman Hussein's dribbling flair for Al-Quwa and Karim Adel's explosive runs for Al-Sinaa terrorize defenses.