Duhok SC recently submitted a formal administrative dispute to the Competitions Committee of the Iraqi Football Association. Club officials requested three points after their opening fixture against visiting opponents Al-Gharraf SC. The contested home match originally ended in a hard-fought 1-1 draw between the two teams. However, subsequent managerial investigations revealed critical legal irregularities concerning opposing goalkeeper Hussein Jouli’s summer contract registration. Consequently, northern club administrators officially appealed the result based on governing league regulations.
Management sources confirmed that goalkeeper Jouli signed duplicate contracts with two separate teams during the summer transfer period. Specifically, documentation indicates dual contractual commitments involving both Al-Gharraf SC and competing regional club Newroz SC. League regulations explicitly prohibit professional players from maintaining multiple active contracts during the same transfer period. Therefore, Duhok SC argues that the regulations require league authorities to forfeit the original match result. Awarding three points would significantly alter the early standings in the domestic football table.
This high-profile dispute comes amid major structural changes at Duhok SC under Iranian head coach Yahya Golmohammadi. The northern squad underwent significant roster changes, extending the contracts of 11 returning players while releasing 12 others. Additionally, club management brought in 15 new foreign and domestic signings during the busy summer transfer window. The club intends to compete strongly in both the Iraq Stars League and the Iraq Cup.
The Competitions Committee will evaluate the official documentation before issuing a binding decision on the matter. Granting the petition would establish a significant disciplinary precedent regarding player transfers and contract integrity in Iraqi football. Meanwhile, football analysts expect swift administrative action to maintain regulatory standards throughout the new competitive season. Ultimately, resolving Duhok SC’s legal complaint will provide greater clarity for all participating professional clubs.