Iraq FA

BAGHDAD: The Iraqi Football Association (IFA) on Monday banned Naft Al Janoob player Qais Issa for life for attacking the referee in his side’s elite stage abandoned league match against Duhok last week.

According to reports, Qais punched referee Samir Shabib in the face after he was given his marching orders seven minutes from time, prompting the referee to stop the match.

Duhok were leading 2-1 when the referee decided to abandon the match. Husam Ibrahim and Nawaf Falah had scored for Duhok while Saad Ghanim reduced the arrears for Naft in the 80th minute.

Naft Al Janoob coach Aqeel Hato has also been banned for two games for his involvement in the fracas while another Naft player Imad Auda was redcarded for instigating the fans to throw objects on the field.

The IFA has also decided to move the remaining home matches of Naft Al Janoob to another venue.

The victory helped Duhok take the lead in Group B with 11 points, two more than Karbala and five ahead of Naft Al Janoob. The three group toppers and the best runners-up will make it to the semi-finals.