Disciplinary Showdown: Zakho Player Receives Ban for Offensive Gesture
24 November 2025
Disciplinary sanctions against Zakho player
The Iraqi Football Federation Disciplinary Committee issued a formal verdict against Zakho midfielder Mohammad Ali Aboud after reviewing a widely circulated video that showed gestures and language deemed inappropriate for the sport.
Aboud had scored the decisive goal in Zakho 1-0 victory over Al Qasim in the seventh round of the Iraqi Premier League.
The committee said it examined the footage from multiple angles, confirmed the presence of offensive expressions, and ruled that the behavior breached established rules and reflected poorly on the player and his club.
Under the powers granted by the federation, Aboud is suspended from accompanying his team to the next match.
A monetary fine of two million Iraqi dinars (more than 1500 USD) was imposed under the relevant articles of the 2025–2026 disciplinary code.
The decision was reached unanimously after a thorough review, part of a broader policy to uphold sports ethics and protect the competition s integrity.
The federation stressed it will not tolerate similar violations by players, officials, or fans, in order to sustain a healthy, competitive environment.
The ruling remains subject to appeal under the federation s procedures, allowing the player or his club to file a formal challenge within the allotted timeframe.
Zakho remains a strong challenger this season, and the suspension could affect preparations ahead of the forthcoming fixture.
Club officials announced a fan driven campaign of support during a visit from Kurdistan University officials, hoping to rally the team through this setback.
Under Qatari coach Wissam Rizq, Zakho sits sixth with 13 points after four wins, two defeats, and one draw.
In a separate decision, the committee reviewed a yellow card given to Hassan Jaleel Hamid of Al Furat for leaving the field to treat an injury and re entering without permission, earning a second yellow.
Hamid was suspended for two months and fined one million dinars.
Another case concerned a match between Al Sinaa and Al Shorta in Basra where a lack of stadium services led to the neutral decision of a 0-5 result under regulation 10-1-A, subject to appeal.
The panel said it would intensify match monitoring to ensure compliance with the rules, reinforcing that discipline is a cornerstone of Iraqi football s governance.
The federation emphasizes that adherence to laws will foster a respectful, fair competition.
Pun intended, here comes the punchline: if discipline were a sniper rifle, the federation would be the sharpshooter aiming for precision and zero tolerance. And yes, even on the field, timing is everything, so beware the gesture that comes with a price tag.
