{{short description|Top-tier professional football league in Iraq}} {{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}} {{Infobox football league | name = Iraq Stars League | image = Iraq Stars League logo.svg | country = Iraq | pixels = 200 | confed = AFC | founded = {{start date and age|1974|8|18|df=y}} | organiser = Iraqi Pro League Association | first = | folded = | divisions = | teams = 20 (since 2014–15) | feeds = | promotion = | relegation = Iraqi Premier Division League | levels = 1 | domest_cup = Iraq FA Cup<br />Iraqi Super Cup | league_cup = | confed_cup = AFC Champions League Elite<br />AFC Champions League Two<br />Arab Club Champions Cup<br />AGCFF Gulf Club Champions League | champions = Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya (8th title) | season = 2025–26 | most successful club = Al-Zawraa<br/> (14 titles) | sponsor = | top_goalscorer = Amjad Radhi (180) | tv = Al-Iraqiya TV<br />Al-Kass Sports | website = | current = 2025–26 Iraq Stars League }}
The '''Iraq Stars League''' ({{langx|ar|دوري نجوم العراق|Dawrī Nujūm Al-'Irāq}}) is the highest level of the Iraqi football league system. Contested by 20 clubs, it operates on a system of promotion and relegation with the Iraqi Premier Division League. It is governed by the Iraqi Pro League Association.
The league was formed by the Iraq Football Association in 1974 as the Iraqi National Clubs First Division League, the first nationwide league of clubs in Iraq, and later became known as the Iraqi Premier League. In 2023, the competition was rebranded as the Iraq Stars League and transitioned into a fully professional competition. The current format sees 20 teams playing 38 matches each (playing each team in the league twice, home and away), totalling 380 matches in the season.
Of the 81 teams to have competed since the inception of the league in 1974, eleven have won the title. Al-Zawraa are the most successful club with 14 titles, followed by Al-Shorta (8), Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya (8) and Al-Talaba (5); these four clubs together contest the Baghdad derbies. The current league champions are Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya, who won the title in the 2025–26 season.
== History == === Origins === {{Main|Iraqi National First Division}} Up until 1973, leagues in Iraq were organised on a regional basis, reflecting the country's administrative and geographic divisions.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://forum.kooora.com/f.aspx?t=38511955|title=البداية الحقيقية للدوري العراقي.. ابطال الدوري في 42 نسخة سابقة|publisher=Kooora|last=Mahmoud|first=Shukri|lang=ar|date=12 November 2021|access-date=19 June 2023|archive-date=19 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230619223807/https://forum.kooora.com/f.aspx?t=38511955|url-status=live}}</ref> The Central FA League (for teams in Baghdad and its neighbouring cities), the Basra League and the Kirkuk League were all founded in 1948,<ref>{{cite web|title=Football leagues set up in Iraq's main centres|url=https://gpa.eastview.com/crl/mena/newspapers/iraq19481016-01.1.8|publisher=The Iraq Times|date=16 October 1948|access-date=2 September 2020|archive-date=27 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200727191249/https://gpa.eastview.com/crl/mena/?a=d&d=iraq19481016-01.1.8|url-status=live}}</ref> while the Mosul League was founded in 1950.<ref>{{cite web|title=Mosul forms new football group|url=https://gpa.eastview.com/crl/mena/newspapers/iraq19501211-01.1.4|publisher=The Iraq Times|date=11 December 1950|access-date=2 September 2020|archive-date=2 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230502145306/https://gpa.eastview.com/crl/mena/?a=d&d=iraq19501211-01.1.4|url-status=live}}</ref>
The first nationwide league was introduced in the 1973–74 season under the name of Iraqi National First Division League,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://forum.kooora.com/f.aspx?t=37491182|title=من أرشيف الدوري العراقي ... نتائج دوري القطر للموسم 1973 / 1974 والجوية يفوز ببطولته|publisher=Kooora|last=Anwiyah|first=Emmanuel|lang=ar|date=18 November 2018|access-date=19 June 2023|archive-date=19 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230619223809/https://forum.kooora.com/f.aspx?t=37491182|url-status=live}}</ref> in which Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya were crowned champions.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Al-Sabti|first1=Ali|title=Iraqi League History 1956-1974|year=2018|location=Iraq}}</ref> This competition represented the first attempt to establish a unified national league championship. However, it included both clubs and institute-representative teams (such as military or ministry sides).
=== Foundation and early years (1974–1983) === On 18 August 1974, the Iraq Football Association (IFA) decided to restructure the domestic football pyramid by introducing a new National Clubs First Division League which was restricted to club sides only, thereby marking the transition to a fully club-based national league structure.<ref name="sabti"/> The league held its first season in 1974–75 and was originally composed of ten clubs.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://forum.kooora.com/f.aspx?t=35539542|title=..... ارشيفي - 1 - (( برنامج تعرف على بطل الدوري - الطيران للموسم 1974 / 1975 ))|publisher=Kooora|last=Anwiyah|first=Emmanuel|lang=ar|date=20 June 2015|access-date=19 June 2023|archive-date=19 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230619223816/https://forum.kooora.com/f.aspx?t=35539542|url-status=live}}</ref> The league's first ever goal was scored by Falah Hassan of Al-Tayaran (now known as Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya) in a 1–1 draw with Al-Sinaa.<ref>{{cite web|title=قصة فوز ( الطيران) باول بطولة للدوري العراقي 74-1975|url=https://forum.kooora.com/?t=19104594|publisher=Kooora|lang=ar|date=9 May 2009|access-date=2 September 2020|archive-date=14 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221014091954/https://forum.kooora.com/?t=19104594|url-status=live}}</ref> Al-Tayaran were crowned champions of the inaugural season, which featured the following teams:<ref>{{cite book|last1=Al-Munshi|first1=Dr.Dhia|title=Iraqi Football Encyclopedia: Chico.. Jamoli… and football in Iraq|year=2005|location= Citadel Printing & Design, Al-Saadoun, Baghdad}}</ref> {| |valign="top"| *Al-Baladiyat *Al-Jaish *Al-Muwasalat *Al-Naqil *Al-Rafidain |valign="top"| *Al-Samawa *Al-Sinaa *Al-Shorta *Al-Tayaran *Babil |}
Al-Zawraa established themselves as the league's first dominant force, winning the 1975–76 title and securing the first domestic double in Iraqi football history.<ref>{{cite web|title=الزوراء.. النادي الأكثر شعبية في الكرة العراقية|url=https://www.mawazin.net/Details.aspx?jimare=105374|work=Mawazin|date=15 June 2020 |accessdate=29 April 2026|lang=ar|archive-date=29 April 2026|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260429221350/https://www.mawazin.net/Details.aspx?jimare=105374|url-status=live}}</ref> The following season, 1976–77, was cut short due to scheduling difficulties, with the IFA declaring Al-Zawraa champions based on the standings at the halfway point.
[[File:Minaa_77.jpg|thumb|right|Al-Minaa became the first team from outside Baghdad to win the league title in the 1977–78 season.]] A key development came in 1977–78 when Al-Minaa won the league unbeaten, becoming the first club from outside Baghdad to claim the national title,<ref>{{cite web|title=الميناء البصري..تأريخ طويل وأول من نقل درع الدوري خارج العاصمة|url=https://www.alsumaria.tv/Entertainment-News/186696/sports/%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D9%8A%D9%86%D8%A7%D8%A1-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A8%D8%B5%D8%B1%D9%8A%D8%AA%D8%A3%D8%B1%D9%8A%D8%AE-%D8%B7%D9%88%D9%8A%D9%84-%D9%88%D8%A3%D9%88%D9%84-%D9%85%D9%86-%D9%86%D9%82%D9%84-%D8%AF%D8%B1%D8%B9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AF%D9%88%D8%B1%D9%8A-%D8%AE%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%AC-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D8%A7%D8%B5%D9%85%D8%A9|work=Al Sumaria|date=23 November 2016 |accessdate=29 April 2026|lang=ar|archive-date=29 April 2026|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260429220604/https://www.alsumaria.tv/Entertainment-News/186696/sports/%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D9%8A%D9%86%D8%A7%D8%A1-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A8%D8%B5%D8%B1%D9%8A%D8%AA%D8%A3%D8%B1%D9%8A%D8%AE-%D8%B7%D9%88%D9%8A%D9%84-%D9%88%D8%A3%D9%88%D9%84-%D9%85%D9%86-%D9%86%D9%82%D9%84-%D8%AF%D8%B1%D8%B9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AF%D9%88%D8%B1%D9%8A-%D8%AE%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%AC-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D8%A7%D8%B5%D9%85%D8%A9|url-status=live}}</ref> demonstrating the potential for clubs from other provinces to compete at the highest level. However, by the end of the 1970s and the beginning of the 1980s, "Baghdad's Big Four" clubs (Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya, Al-Shorta, Al-Talaba and Al-Zawraa) had begun to establish dominance over the competition. The 1980s were heavily influenced by the Iran–Iraq War, which disrupted sporting schedules. The 1980–81 season, for example, was reduced to a single round-robin format due to logistical constraints.
=== Politicisation of league football (1983–1990) === The 1980s saw increased politicisation of football in Iraq, with state-backed institutions playing a greater role in club organisation. This coincided with the rise of Al-Rasheed, a club founded in 1983 by Uday Hussein, the son of the Iraqi president Saddam Hussein, who would later become president of the Iraq Football Association. Al-Rasheed quickly emerged as a dominant force in Iraqi football,<ref>{{cite web|title=Al-Rasheed|url=https://fromboothferrytogermany.com/2017/01/08/al-rasheed/|work=From Boothferry To Germany|date=8 January 2017 |accessdate=29 April 2026|lang=en|archive-date=29 April 2026|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260429213308/https://fromboothferrytogermany.com/2017/01/08/al-rasheed/|url-status=live}}</ref> with the club assembling many of the country's leading players, including several members of the Iraq national football team and its coach Ammo Baba.<ref>{{cite web|title=Torture, Threats and Imprisonment – How Uday Saddam Hussein Destroyed Iraqi Football|url=https://iraqfootball.me/2017/06/10/torture-threats-and-imprisonment-how-uday-saddam-hussein-destroyed-iraqi-football/|work=Iraq Football|date=10 June 2017 |accessdate=29 April 2026|lang=en|archive-date=29 April 2026|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260429214004/https://iraqfootball.me/2017/06/10/torture-threats-and-imprisonment-how-uday-saddam-hussein-destroyed-iraqi-football/|url-status=live}}</ref>
The 1984–85 season was cancelled due to conflicts with national team commitments, with Al-Rasheed leading the table at the time of cancellation. Between 1986–87 and 1988–89, Al-Rasheed won three consecutive league titles, becoming the first club in the league's history to achieve this feat. During this period, the club also secured two Iraq FA Cup titles and enjoyed success in regional competitions, including three consecutive Arab Club Champions Cup titles from 1985 to 1987.<ref>{{cite web|title=البطولة العربية: الرشيد.. زعيم صنعه صدام حسين وطواه النسيان|url=https://www.goal.com/ar/%D8%A3%D8%AE%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%B1/%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A8%D8%B7%D9%88%D9%84%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D8%B1%D8%A8%D9%8A%D8%A9--%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B1%D8%B4%D9%8A%D8%AF-%D8%B2%D8%B9%D9%8A%D9%85-%D8%B5%D9%86%D8%B9%D9%87-%D8%B5%D8%AF%D8%A7%D9%85-%D8%AD%D8%B3%D9%8A%D9%86-%D9%88%D8%B7%D9%88%D8%A7%D9%87-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%86%D8%B3%D9%8A%D8%A7%D9%86/1uwkwf2rmpov211ou7dn0qy3ma|work=Goal.com|date=8 July 2017 |accessdate=29 April 2026|lang=ar|archive-date=29 April 2026|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260429214816/https://www.goal.com/ar/%D8%A3%D8%AE%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%B1/%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A8%D8%B7%D9%88%D9%84%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D8%B1%D8%A8%D9%8A%D8%A9--%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B1%D8%B4%D9%8A%D8%AF-%D8%B2%D8%B9%D9%8A%D9%85-%D8%B5%D9%86%D8%B9%D9%87-%D8%B5%D8%AF%D8%A7%D9%85-%D8%AD%D8%B3%D9%8A%D9%86-%D9%88%D8%B7%D9%88%D8%A7%D9%87-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%86%D8%B3%D9%8A%D8%A7%D9%86/1uwkwf2rmpov211ou7dn0qy3ma|url-status=live}}</ref>
Al-Rasheed's dominance over the league temporarily disrupted the traditional rivalry among Baghdad's Big Four, however the club was dissolved in 1990,<ref>{{cite web|title=أندية عربية في الأرشيف: الرشيد العراقي.. نشأ سريعا واختفى سريعا!|url=https://tooofa.com/174580/|work=Toooffa|date=7 June 2020 |accessdate=29 April 2026|lang=ar|archive-date=29 April 2026|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260429215759/https://tooofa.com/174580/|url-status=live}}</ref> and its players were redistributed among other leading sides, contributing to the re-establishment of the competitive landscape and leading to a resurgence among the traditional top clubs.
=== "Baghdad's Big Four" dominance (1990–2003) === {{main|Baghdad derbies}} {| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center; font-size:90%; float:right; margin-left:1em" |+ Results of the 'Big Four' from 1990 to 2002 |- ! Season !! {{abbr|QWJ|Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya}} !! {{abbr|SHR|Al-Shorta}} !! {{abbr|TLB|Al-Talaba}} !! {{abbr|ZWR|Al-Zawraa}} |- style="border-top:3px solid black" |- | 1989–90 || style="background: #ffe34d;"| '''1''' || style="background: #cc9966;"| 3 || 6 || style="background: LemonChiffon;"| 4 |- | 1990–91 || 6 || style="background: #cc9966;"| 3 || style="background: silver;"| 2 || style="background: #ffe34d;"| '''1''' |- | 1991–92 || style="background: #ffe34d;"| '''1''' || 5 || style="background: LemonChiffon;"| 4 || style="background: silver;"| 2 |- | 1992–93 || style="background: #cc9966;"| 3 || style="background: LemonChiffon;"| 4 || style="background: #ffe34d;"| '''1''' || style="background: silver;"| 2 |- | 1993–94 || style="background: silver;"| 2 || 5 || style="background: #cc9966;"| 3 || style="background: #ffe34d;"| '''1''' |- | 1994–95 || style="background: silver;"| 2 || 6 || style="background: LemonChiffon;"| 4 || style="background: #ffe34d;"| '''1''' |- | 1995–96 || 8 || style="background: #cc9966;"| 3 || 6 || style="background: #ffe34d;"| '''1''' |- | 1996–97 || style="background: #ffe34d;"| '''1''' || 5 || style="background: #cc9966;"| 3 || style="background: silver;"| 2 |- | 1997–98 || style="background: silver;"| 2 || style="background: #ffe34d;"| '''1''' || 5 || style="background: #cc9966;"| 3 |- | 1998–99 || style="background: #cc9966;"| 3 || 5 || style="background: silver;"| 2 || style="background: #ffe34d;"| '''1''' |- | 1999–2000 || style="background: silver;"| 2 || style="background: #cc9966;"| 3 || style="background: LemonChiffon;"| 4 || style="background: #ffe34d;"| '''1''' |- | 2000–01 || style="background: silver;"| 2 || style="background: #cc9966;"| 3 || style="background: LemonChiffon;"| 4 || style="background: #ffe34d;"| '''1''' |- | 2001–02 || style="background: silver;"| 2 || style="background: #cc9966;"| 3 || style="background: #ffe34d;"| '''1''' || style="background: LemonChiffon;"| 4 |- style="border-top:3px solid black" class="sortbottom" | '''{{abbr|Top four|Number of times that each side finished in the top four.}}''' || 11 || 8 || 10 || '''13''' |- class="sortbottom" | colspan="5"|out of 13 |- class="sortbottom" | colspan="5"|{{color box|#FFE34D}} League champions<br> |- style="border-top:3px solid black" class="sortbottom" |} The league entered a period of relative structural stability and stronger competition during the 1990s. "Baghdad's Big Four" clubs — Al-Zawraa, Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya, Al-Talaba and Al-Shorta who together contest the Baghdad derbies — dominated the competition almost entirely during this period.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/news/greatest_asian_club_derbies_iraq.html|title=Greatest Asian Club Derbies: Iraq|publisher=Asian Football Confederation|date=21 February 2021|access-date=19 June 2023|archive-date=19 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230619223807/https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/news/greatest_asian_club_derbies_iraq.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Between the 1989–90 and 2005–06 seasons, every league title was won by one of these four clubs.<ref name="sabti"/> Their sustained dominance was underpinned by structural advantages, including greater institutional support, superior access to financial and sporting resources, and the continued concentration of elite players in Baghdad.
The 1990s were particularly successful for Al-Zawraa, who emerged as the most decorated club of the era. The club won the league and cup double in three consecutive seasons from 1993–94 to 1995–96. During this period, the competition was rebranded several times, as the Iraq Football Association experimented with a number of different competition structures and rules, including the awarding of bonus points in the 1994–95 season and the introduction of regional qualifying rounds in the 2000–01 season. Despite these administrative changes, the competitive hierarchy remained largely unchanged. Clubs from outside Baghdad occasionally mounted challenges, but were generally unable to sustain title bids over an entire season. As a result, Baghdad's Big Four maintained near-total control of domestic honours.
=== Aftermath of invasion and war (2003–2012) === The 2003 invasion of Iraq and subsequent Iraq War marked a major turning point in the history of the league, and caused sustained disruption to Iraqi domestic football. The 2002–03 season was cancelled following the outbreak of conflict, while the 2003–04 campaign was also cancelled due to ongoing security concerns and organisational difficulties. From the 2003–04 season until the 2010–11 season, clubs were separated into regional groups rather than competing in the traditional round-robin format to facilitate easier travel and reduce the number of games for teams.
The instability in Baghdad caused by the war significantly altered the competitive landscape of the league. Many players left the capital in search of greater security and financial stability, joining clubs in the comparatively safer northern regions, particularly in the Kurdistan area. This migration of talent weakened the traditional Baghdad-based powerhouses and contributed to a temporary shift in competitive strength.<ref name="rise">{{cite web|url=https://ahdaaf.me/2015/07/21/people-must-know-their-history-the-rise-and-fall-of-the-iraqi-elites-football-teams/|title=The rise and fall of Iraq's elite football teams|publisher=Ahdaaf.me|last=Mubarak|first=Hassanin|date=21 July 2015|access-date=19 June 2023|archive-date=7 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180207020729/https://ahdaaf.me/2015/07/21/people-must-know-their-history-the-rise-and-fall-of-the-iraqi-elites-football-teams/|url-status=usurped}}</ref> Erbil became the dominant club of the late 2000s, winning three consecutive league titles from 2006–07 to 2008–09, while Duhok secured the 2009–10 championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fifa.com/world-match-centre/nationalleagues/nationalleague=iraq-iraqi-league-2000000099/news/newsid/178/766/1/index.html|title=Arbil favourites to retain crown|publisher=FIFA.com|date=18 October 2012|access-date=19 June 2023|archive-date=3 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150203000036/http://www.fifa.com/world-match-centre/nationalleagues/nationalleague=iraq-iraqi-league-2000000099/news/newsid/178/766/1/index.html|url-status=bot: unknown}}</ref> These successes represented the first sustained challenge to the dominance of the top Baghdad sides since the league's formative years.
The 2008–09 season was particularly notable as the only campaign in which none of Baghdad's Big Four finished in the top four positions. Instead, the leading places were occupied by Erbil, Al-Najaf, Duhok and Al-Amana, underlining the extent of the temporary shift in competitive balance.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.goalzz.com/main.aspx?c=4070|title=Iraqi League 2008/2009|publisher=Goalzz|access-date=19 June 2023|archive-date=19 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230619223806/https://www.goalzz.com/main.aspx?c=4070|url-status=live}}</ref>
=== Influx of foreign professionals (2012–2023) === [[File:20150331 Mali vs Ghana 024 (cropped).jpg|thumb|upright|right|Afriyie Acquah is one of the most high-profile foreign players to have played in Iraq, having previously spent nine seasons in Serie A.]] The league returned to its traditional home and away round-robin format in the 2011–12 season and began to attract foreign players and coaches, particularly from Africa, South America and the Middle East. In 2012, Syrian coach Nizar Mahrous became the first foreign manager to win the league title and Cameroonian striker Jean Michel N'Lend became the first foreign player to score a hat-trick. The 2012–13 season saw Al-Shorta dethrone Erbil at the top of the table, as the traditional Baghdad-based clubs began to reassert their dominance, driven by improved security conditions, greater financial stability, and the renewed concentration of elite players in the capital.<ref>{{cite web|title=Joy in Baghdad: Its soccer teams are playing again|url=https://www.theolympian.com/news/nation-world/national/article25250335.html|work=The Olympian|date=22 March 2010 |accessdate=29 April 2026|lang=en|archive-date=29 April 2026|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260429223145/https://www.theolympian.com/news/nation-world/national/article25250335.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
Since the 2015–16 season, every league title has been won by either Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya, Al-Shorta or Al-Zawraa, marking a return to the league's long-standing competitive structure.<ref>{{cite web|title=Iraq - List of Champions|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesi/iraqchamp.html|work=Rsssf.org|date=25 June 2025 |accessdate=29 April 2026|lang=en|archive-date=29 April 2026|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260429222322/https://www.rsssf.org/tablesi/iraqchamp.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The 2010s also saw a series of incremental administrative reforms aimed at modernising Iraqi domestic football, as efforts were made to improve league organisation, infrastructure, and governance standards. In the 2013–14 season, matches began being broadcast in 16:9 aspect ratio and high-definition for the first time by Waar TV, and Qatari network Al-Kass Sports Channels purchased the rights to broadcast a select number of high-profile matches from the league to a wider audience in the region. Stadium licensing rules were gradually tightened, with modern stadiums such as Basra International Stadium, Karbala International Stadium, Zakho International Stadium and Al-Najaf International Stadium becoming regular venues for league matches. Prior to the start of the 2020–21 season, the Iraq Football Association unveiled the league's first ever logo and announced a partnership with Umbro to manufacture an official match ball for the first time in the league's history.<ref>{{cite web |title=Umbro announce partnership with Iraq Football Association|url=https://www.umbro.com/en/football/news/umbro-x-iraq-football-association}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Umbro Announces Partnership With Iraq Football Association As Official Kit Sponsor|url=https://www.sportsjournal.ae/umbro-partnership-iraq-football-association-kit-sponsor}}</ref>
=== "Stars League" era (2023–present) === A major structural transformation occurred in 2023 when the Iraq Football Association (IFA) signed a three-year partnership agreement with Spain's Liga Nacional de Fútbol Profesional (LaLiga) to professionalise the Iraqi top flight.<ref>{{cite web|title=LALIGA and the Iraq Football Association start its collaboration with specialized work sessions|url=https://www.laliga.com/en-GB/news/laliga-and-the-iraq-football-association-start-its-collaboration-with-specialized-work-sessions|work=LALIGA|date=8 August 2023 |accessdate=29 April 2026|lang=en|archive-date=29 April 2026|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260429204115/https://www.laliga.com/en-GB/news/laliga-and-the-iraq-football-association-start-its-collaboration-with-specialized-work-sessions|url-status=live}}</ref> As part of this reform, the competition was rebranded as the Iraq Stars League and designed to meet the club licensing requirements set by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).<ref>{{cite web|title=Dirjal reveals undisclosed details about the Iraqi Pro League|url=https://www.winwin.com/%D9%83%D8%B1%D8%A9-%D9%82%D8%AF%D9%85/%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A3%D8%AE%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%B1/%D8%AF%D8%B1%D8%AC%D8%A7%D9%84-%D9%8A%D9%83%D8%B4%D9%81-%D8%AA%D9%81%D8%A7%D8%B5%D9%8A%D9%84-%D8%BA%D9%8A%D8%B1-%D9%85%D8%B9%D9%84%D9%86%D8%A9-%D8%B9%D9%86-%D8%AF%D9%88%D8%B1%D9%8A-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D8%AD%D8%AA%D8%B1%D9%81%D9%8A%D9%86-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%82%D9%8A/|publisher=Winwin|accessdate=9 July 2023|lang=ar|archive-date=28 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231028144951/https://www.winwin.com/%D9%83%D8%B1%D8%A9-%D9%82%D8%AF%D9%85/%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A3%D8%AE%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%B1/%D8%AF%D8%B1%D8%AC%D8%A7%D9%84-%D9%8A%D9%83%D8%B4%D9%81-%D8%AA%D9%81%D8%A7%D8%B5%D9%8A%D9%84-%D8%BA%D9%8A%D8%B1-%D9%85%D8%B9%D9%84%D9%86%D8%A9-%D8%B9%D9%86-%D8%AF%D9%88%D8%B1%D9%8A-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D8%AD%D8%AA%D8%B1%D9%81%D9%8A%D9%86-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%82%D9%8A|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Tebas: LaLiga Project Is the Key to Making Iraqi Football the Best in the Gulf|url=https://ina.iq/en/sport/38321-tebas-laliga-project-is-the-key-to-making-iraqi-football-the-best-in-the-gulf.html|work=Iraqi News Agency|date=14 February 2025 |accessdate=29 April 2026|lang=en|archive-date=29 April 2026|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260429205126/https://ina.iq/en/sport/38321-tebas-laliga-project-is-the-key-to-making-iraqi-football-the-best-in-the-gulf.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
A new governing body, the Iraqi Pro League Association, was established to operate the competition and oversee its associated youth systems.<ref>{{cite web|title=LALIGA drives the digital development of Iraqi football with a workshop held in Baghdad|url=https://www.laliga.com/en-GB/news/laliga-drives-the-digital-development-of-iraqi-football-with-a-workshop-held-in-baghdad|work=LALIGA|date=20 January 2026 |accessdate=29 April 2026|lang=en|archive-date=29 April 2026|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260429205612/https://www.laliga.com/en-GB/news/laliga-drives-the-digital-development-of-iraqi-football-with-a-workshop-held-in-baghdad|url-status=live}}</ref> Chaired by Javier Jiménez Sacristán and Matteo Mantovani, the organisation was tasked with implementing professional standards in league management, commercial operations and infrastructure development.<ref>{{cite web|title=LALIGA's project in Iraq one year on: a model of success and sustainability|url=https://www.laliga.com/en-GB/news/laligas-project-in-iraq-one-year-on-a-model-of-success-and-sustainability|work=LALIGA|date=8 April 2024 |accessdate=29 April 2026|lang=en|archive-date=29 April 2026|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260429204730/https://www.laliga.com/en-GB/news/laligas-project-in-iraq-one-year-on-a-model-of-success-and-sustainability|url-status=live}}</ref> LaLiga also began training an Iraqi administrative team to assume full operational control of the league following the conclusion of the partnership.<ref>{{cite web|title=Iraq signs 2 contracts with Spanish La Liga to develop Iraqi football|url=https://english.news.cn/20230605/22f03b1b91d24ec799e42f0ba2a48aaf/c.html|work=Xinhua|accessdate=9 July 2023|archive-date=13 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240213033135/https://english.news.cn/20230605/22f03b1b91d24ec799e42f0ba2a48aaf/c.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
The inaugural Iraq Stars League season began on 26 October 2023, marking the first fully professional campaign in the history of Iraqi domestic football.<ref>{{cite web|title=Dirjal: Iraq's qualification for the 2026 World Cup begins with the establishment of a professional league|url=https://sports.asharq.com/article/%D8%AF%D8%B1%D8%AC%D8%A7%D9%84-%D8%AA%D8%A3%D9%87%D9%84-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%82-%D9%84%D9%85%D9%88%D9%86%D8%AF%D9%8A%D8%A7%D9%84-2026-%D9%8A%D8%A8%D8%AF%D8%A3-%D8%A8%D8%A5%D9%82%D8%A7%D9%85%D8%A9-%D8%AF%D9%88%D8%B1%D9%8A-%D9%85%D8%AD%D8%AA%D8%B1%D9%81%D9%8A%D9%86/|work=Sports Asharq|date=8 July 2023 |accessdate=9 July 2023|lang=ar|archive-date=13 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240213032922/https://sports.asharq.com/football/21979/%25D8%25AF%25D8%25B1%25D8%25AC%25D8%25A7%25D9%2584-%25D8%25AA%25D8%25A3%25D9%2587%25D9%2584-%25D8%25A7%25D9%2584%25D8%25B9%25D8%25B1%25D8%25A7%25D9%2582-%25D9%2584%25D9%2585%25D9%2588%25D9%2586%25D8%25AF%25D9%258A%25D8%25A7%25D9%2584-2026-%25D9%258A%25D8%25A8%25D8%25AF%25D8%25A3-%25D8%25A8%25D8%25A5%25D9%2582%25D8%25A7%25D9%2585%25D8%25A9-%25D8%25AF%25D9%2588%25D8%25B1%25D9%258A-%25D9%2585%25D8%25AD%25D8%25AA%25D8%25B1%25D9%2581%25D9%258A%25D9%2586/|url-status=live}}</ref> Al-Shorta won the first edition in 2023–24, securing their third consecutive league title and completing a domestic double. The club extended its dominance in 2024–25, becoming the first team in the competition's history to win four consecutive league championships.<ref>{{cite web|title=Al-Shorta crowned Iraqi Stars League champions for fourth consecutive season|url=https://www.iraqinews.com/iraq/al-shorta-crowned-iraqi-stars-league-champions-2025/|work=Iraqi News|date=25 June 2025 |accessdate=29 April 2026|lang=en|archive-date=29 April 2026|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260429203409/https://www.iraqinews.com/iraq/al-shorta-crowned-iraqi-stars-league-champions-2025/|url-status=live}}</ref>
== Competition format ==
=== Competition === The Stars League season typically runs from September to June, although scheduling may vary slightly from year to year depending on climatic conditions and international commitments.<ref>{{cite web|title=الدوري العراقي ينطلق في 13 سبتمبر|url=https://www.alkhaleej.ae/2025-08-25/%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AF%D9%88%D8%B1%D9%8A-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%82%D9%8A-%D9%8A%D9%86%D8%B7%D9%84%D9%82-%D9%81%D9%8A-13-%D8%B3%D8%A8%D8%AA%D9%85%D8%A8%D8%B1-6054416/%D8%B1%D9%8A%D8%A7%D8%B6%D8%A9-%D8%B9%D8%B1%D8%A8%D9%8A/%D8%B1%D9%8A%D8%A7%D8%B6%D8%A9|work=Alkhaleej.ae|date=25 August 2025 |accessdate=30 April 2026|lang=en|archive-date=30 April 2026|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260430084500/https://www.alkhaleej.ae/2025-08-25/%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AF%D9%88%D8%B1%D9%8A-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%82%D9%8A-%D9%8A%D9%86%D8%B7%D9%84%D9%82-%D9%81%D9%8A-13-%D8%B3%D8%A8%D8%AA%D9%85%D8%A8%D8%B1-6054416/%D8%B1%D9%8A%D8%A7%D8%B6%D8%A9-%D8%B9%D8%B1%D8%A8%D9%8A/%D8%B1%D9%8A%D8%A7%D8%B6%D8%A9|url-status=live}}</ref> There are currently 20 clubs in the Iraq Stars League. Over the course of a season, each club plays the others twice (in a double round-robin system), once at home and once away, for a total of 38 games (however, Baghdad derbies are sometimes played at the neutral venue of Al-Shaab Stadium to accommodate larger crowds).<ref name="handbook">{{cite web|url= https://ifa.iq/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/%D9%86%D8%B8%D8%A7%D9%85-%D9%85%D8%B3%D8%A7%D8%A8%D9%82%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AF%D9%88%D8%B1%D9%8A-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%82%D9%8A-2020-1.pdf|title= نظام المسابقات في الدوري العراقي موسم ۲۰۲٠ - ۲۰۲١|publisher= Iraq Football Association|access-date= 10 July 2022|archive-date= 8 July 2022|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220708162051/https://ifa.iq/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/%D9%86%D8%B8%D8%A7%D9%85-%D9%85%D8%B3%D8%A7%D8%A8%D9%82%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AF%D9%88%D8%B1%D9%8A-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%82%D9%8A-2020-1.pdf|url-status= live}}</ref>
Teams receive three points for a win and one point for a draw. No points are awarded for a loss. Teams are ranked by total points, followed by head-to-head points, head-to-head goal difference, total goal difference, goals scored and number of wins.<ref name="handbook"/> If teams remain level after all these criteria, teams are deemed to occupy the same position. If there is a tie for the championship, for relegation, or for qualification to other competitions, a play-off match at a neutral venue decides rank.<ref name="handbook"/>
Each club must register a 25-man squad for the season, but are not required to register players who have been registered for their reserve or youth teams. Each club is allowed a maximum of eight foreign players in their squad, and can register one additional foreign player of Yemeni nationality provided that the player has represented the Yemen national team in each of the past three years or currently represents them. Only six foreign players including Yemeni players can play at any given time, and no more than two players from countries ranked below 90th in the FIFA Men's World Ranking can play at any given time. A maximum of five substitutions are available per match for each team.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.facebook.com/Alrabiaa.Sports/posts/pfbid02cSfQvVQgo8vFYkwUwZMNaCgbBnAC7ZS857qWxgEwBXk8nZuuiAnoWtH2gXX1vFQSl|title= تعليمات اتحاد الكرة للأندية المشاركة في الدوري الممتاز والدرجة الاولى|publisher= Al-Rabiaa Sports|date= 23 August 2022|access-date= 23 August 2022|archive-date= 23 August 2022|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220823170205/https://www.facebook.com/Alrabiaa.Sports/posts/pfbid02cSfQvVQgo8vFYkwUwZMNaCgbBnAC7ZS857qWxgEwBXk8nZuuiAnoWtH2gXX1vFQSl|url-status= live}}</ref>
The winners of the league qualify for the Iraqi Super Cup, a match played against the winners of the Iraq FA Cup (if the league winners also win the Iraq FA Cup, they play the league runners-up instead).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/domestic_leagues/news/al_shorta_win_iraq_super_cup_2.html|title=Al Shorta lift Iraq Super Cup|publisher=Asian Football Confederation|date=3 October 2022|access-date=19 June 2023|archive-date=12 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230812183328/https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/domestic_leagues/news/al_shorta_win_iraq_super_cup_2.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
=== Promotion and relegation === The bottom two teams in the Stars League are relegated to the Iraqi Premier Division League, while the top two teams from the Premier Division League are promoted to the Stars League. The team finishing 18th in the Stars League enters a play-off against the winner of the play-out round between the 3rd and 4th-placed teams from the Premier Division League for a spot in the next season’s Stars League.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://al-ain.com/article/iraqi-league-2025-2026-stats|title=دوري نجوم العراق.. 5 معلومات قبل انطلاق الموسم الجديد|publisher=al-ain.com|date=18 August 2025|access-date=12 April 2026}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" ! colspan=3|Number of clubs in the Iraqi top-flight |- ! Season(s) ! {{Abbr|No.|Number}} of clubs ! Competition format |- | 1974–75 | {{nowrap|10 clubs}} | rowspan=2|Double round-robin |- | 1975–76 | 13 clubs |- | 1976–77 | 12 clubs | Double round-robin (cut short to a single round-robin) |- | 1977–78 | 14 clubs | rowspan=2|Single round-robin |- | 1978–79 | 13 clubs |- | 1979–80 | rowspan=3|12 clubs | Double round-robin |- | 1980–81 | Single round-robin |- | 1981–82 to 1982–83 | Double round-robin |- | 1983–84 | 13 clubs | rowspan=2|Double round-robin |- | 1984–85 | 14 clubs |- | 1985–86 | 16 clubs | Single round-robin |- | 1986–87 | 12 clubs | Quadruple round-robin |- | 1987–88 | 16 clubs | Double round-robin |- | 1988–89 | 29 clubs | Regional stage → national stage → knockout stage |- | 1989–90 | 14 clubs | rowspan=3|Double round-robin |- | 1990–91 | 16 clubs |- | 1991–92 | 20 clubs |- | 1992–93 | 24 clubs | Triple round-robin |- | 1993–94 | 26 clubs | rowspan=7|Double round-robin |- | 1994–95 | 24 clubs |- | 1995–96 | 12 clubs |- | 1996–97 to 1998–99 | 16 clubs |- | 1999–2000 | 26 clubs |- | 2000–01 | 16 clubs |- | 2001–02 to 2002–03 | 20 clubs |- | 2003–04 | 25 clubs | rowspan=4|Group stage → elite stage → knockout stage |- | 2004–05 | 36 clubs |- | 2005–06 | 28 clubs |- | 2006–07 | 24 clubs |- | 2007–08 | 30 clubs | Group stage → elite stage → play-off round → knockout stage |- | 2008–09 | 28 clubs | Group stage → championship play-off |- | 2009–10 | 36 clubs | Group stage → elite stage → knockout stage |- | 2010–11 | 28 clubs | Group stage → championship play-off |- | 2011–12 | 20 clubs | rowspan=3|Double round-robin |- | 2012–13 | 18 clubs |- | 2013–14 | 16 clubs |- | 2014–15 | rowspan=5|20 clubs | Group stage → elite stage → championship play-off |- | 2015–16 | Group stage → elite stage |- | 2016–17 to 2018–19 | Double round-robin |- | 2019–20 | Double round-robin (restarted as a single round-robin) |- | 2020–21 to present | Double round-robin |}
=== Video assistant referee === The video assistant referee (VAR) system was introduced in the Iraq Stars League at the start of the 2023–24 season as part of a broader effort to modernise officiating standards and align the competition with international best practices.<ref>{{cite web|title=تقنية الفار تدخل الخدمة بدوري المحترفين العراقي|url=https://www.alsumaria.tv/Entertainment-News/461183/sports/%D8%AA%D9%82%D9%86%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%81%D8%A7%D8%B1-%D8%AA%D8%AF%D8%AE%D9%84-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AE%D8%AF%D9%85%D8%A9-%D8%A8%D8%AF%D9%88%D8%B1%D9%8A-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D8%AD%D8%AA%D8%B1%D9%81%D9%8A%D9%86-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%82%D9%8A|work=Alsumaria.tv|date=10 July 2023 |accessdate=30 April 2026|lang=en|archive-date=30 April 2026|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260430085535/https://www.alsumaria.tv/Entertainment-News/461183/sports/%D8%AA%D9%82%D9%86%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%81%D8%A7%D8%B1-%D8%AA%D8%AF%D8%AE%D9%84-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AE%D8%AF%D9%85%D8%A9-%D8%A8%D8%AF%D9%88%D8%B1%D9%8A-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D8%AD%D8%AA%D8%B1%D9%81%D9%8A%D9%86-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%82%D9%8A|url-status=live}}</ref> Its implementation followed coordination between the Iraq Football Association (IFA) and FIFA, including the completion of technical, regulatory and training requirements necessary for its approval and operation.<ref>{{cite web|title=بإشراف دولي.. منظومات "فار" متنقلة تدخل العراق|url=https://shafaq.com/ar/%D8%B1%D9%8A%D9%80%D8%A7%D8%B6%D8%A9/%D8%A8-%D8%B4%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%81-%D8%AF%D9%88%D9%84%D9%8A-%D9%85%D9%86%D8%B8%D9%88%D9%85%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D9%81%D8%A7%D8%B1-%D9%85%D8%AA%D9%86%D9%82%D9%84%D8%A9-%D8%AA%D8%AF%D8%AE%D9%84-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%82|work=Shafaq.com|date=15 March 2023 |accessdate=30 April 2026|lang=en|archive-date=30 April 2026|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260430090551/https://shafaq.com/ar/%D8%B1%D9%8A%D9%80%D8%A7%D8%B6%D8%A9/%D8%A8-%D8%B4%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%81-%D8%AF%D9%88%D9%84%D9%8A-%D9%85%D9%86%D8%B8%D9%88%D9%85%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D9%81%D8%A7%D8%B1-%D9%85%D8%AA%D9%86%D9%82%D9%84%D8%A9-%D8%AA%D8%AF%D8%AE%D9%84-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%82|url-status=live}}</ref>
VAR is used to assist the on-field referee in reviewing key match incidents, specifically in four situations: goals, penalty decisions, direct red card offences and cases of mistaken identity. The system relies on a team of video officials located in a centralised control environment, who analyse footage from multiple camera angles and communicate with the referee via a headset. Despite this assistance, the final decision in all cases remains with the on-field referee.<ref>{{cite web|title=What is VAR in football|url=https://www.olympics.com/en/news/what-is-var-in-football|work=Olympics.com|date=25 December 2023 |accessdate=30 April 2026|lang=en|archive-date=30 April 2026|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260430091508/https://www.olympics.com/en/news/what-is-var-in-football|url-status=live}}</ref>
==Clubs== ===2025–26 season=== Twenty clubs are competing in the 2025–26 Iraq Stars League, including three promoted from the Premier Division League: {| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" |- !2025–26<br>Club !2024–25<br>Position !First season in<br>the league !Seasons<br>in the<br>league !First season of<br>current spell in<br>the league !Titles !Most<br>recent title |- | style="text-align:left"|Al-Gharraf<sup>b</sup> || {{ntsh|19}}2nd (PDL) || 2025–26 || 1 || 2025–26 || 0 || – |- | style="text-align:left"|Al-Kahrabaa || {{ntsh|13}}13th || 2004–05 || 21 || 2014–15 || 0 || – |- | style="text-align:left"|Al-Karkh || {{ntsh|15}}15th || 1990–91 || 30 || 2018–19 || 0 || – |- | style="text-align:left"|Al-Karma<sup>b</sup> || {{ntsh|8}}8th || 2024–25 || 2 || 2024–25 || 0 || – |- | style="text-align:left"|Al-Minaa || {{ntsh|16}}16th|| 1975–76 || 48 || 2023–24 || 1 || 1977–78 |- | style="text-align:left"|Al-Mosul || {{ntsh|18}}1st (PDL) || 1982–83 || 21 || 2025–26 || 0 || – |- | style="text-align:left"|Al-Naft<sup>b</sup> || {{ntsh|6}}6th || 1985–86 || 41 || 1985–86 || 0 || – |- | style="text-align:left"|Al-Najaf<sup>b</sup> || {{ntsh|14}}14th || 1987–88 || 39 || 1987–88 || 0 || – |- | style="text-align:left"|Al-Qasim<sup>b</sup> || {{ntsh|10}}10th || 2019–20 || 7 || 2019–20 || 0 || – |- | style="text-align:left"|Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya<sup>a, b</sup> || {{ntsh|5}}5th || 1974–75 || 52 || 1974–75 || 8 || 2025–26 |- | style="text-align:left"|Al-Shorta<sup>a, b</sup> || {{ntsh|1}}1st || 1974–75 || 52 || 1974–75 || 8 || 2024–25 |- | style="text-align:left"|Al-Talaba<sup>b</sup> || {{ntsh|4}}4th || 1975–76 || 51 || 1975–76 || 5 || 2001–02 |- | style="text-align:left"|Al-Zawraa<sup>b</sup> || {{ntsh|2}}2nd || 1975–76 || 51 || 1975–76 || 14 || 2017–18 |- | style="text-align:left"|Amanat Baghdad || {{ntsh|20}}4th playoffs<br>(PDL) || 1977–78 || 28 || 2025–26 || 0 || – |- | style="text-align:left"|Diyala || {{ntsh|17}}17th || 1975–76 || 16 || 2024–25 || 0 || – |- | style="text-align:left"|Duhok || {{ntsh|7}}7th || 1988–89 || 23 || 2022–23 || 1 || 2009–10 |- | style="text-align:left"|Erbil || {{ntsh|12}}12th || 1987–88 || 34 || 2018–19 || 4 || 2011–12 |- | style="text-align:left"|Naft Maysan || {{ntsh|11}}11th || 2009–10 || 15 || 2013–14 || 0 || – |- | style="text-align:left"|Newroz<sup>b</sup> || {{ntsh|9}}9th || 2021–22 || 5 || 2021–22 || 0 || – |- | style="text-align:left"|Zakho || {{ntsh|3}}3rd || 2002–03 || 21 || 2019–20 || 0 || – |} {{Clear}}
<sup>a</sup>: Founding member of the league<br /> <sup>b</sup>: Never been relegated from the league
====Map==== <section begin=map /> {{location map+ |Iraq |width=600 |float=left|caption=Location of clubs in Iraq for the 2025–26 Iraq Stars League season |places= {{location map~ |Iraq |lat=33.3116664|long=44.2858654|mark=Blue pog.svg|label= <div style="font-size:80%;">Baghdad</div>|position=right}} {{location map~ |Iraq |lat=30.5312178|long=47.7019912|label= <div style="font-size:80%;">Al-Minaa</div>|position=left}} {{location map~ |Iraq |lat=31.3|long=46.2612793|label= <div style="font-size:80%;">Al-Gharraf</div>|position=left}} {{location map~ |Iraq |lat=33.3728061|long=43.9157973|label= <div style="font-size:80%;">Al-Karma</div>|position=left}} {{location map~ |Iraq |lat=36.05|long=43.1|label= <div style="font-size:80%;">Al-Mosul</div>|position=left}} {{location map~ |Iraq |lat=32.0119334|long=44.3293703|label= <div style="font-size:80%;">Al-Najaf</div>|position=right}} {{location map~ |Iraq |lat=32.4000000|long=44.6293703|label= <div style="font-size:80%;">Al-Qasim</div>|position=right}} {{location map~ |Iraq |lat=33.8000000|long=44.6858654|label= <div style="font-size:80%;">Diyala</div>|position=right}} {{location map~ |Iraq |lat=36.1676274|long=44.0089184|label= <div style="font-size:80%;">Erbil</div>|position=right}} {{location map~ |Iraq |lat=35.557222|long=45.435556|label= <div style="font-size:80%;">Newroz</div>|position=right}} {{location map~ |Iraq |lat=31.8203976|long=47.1254253|label= <div style="font-size:80%;">Naft Maysan</div>|position=right}} {{location map~ |Iraq |lat=37.1500|long=42.6833|label=<div style="font-size:80%;">Zakho</div>|position=right}} {{location map~ |Iraq |lat=36.86|long=42.87|label=<div style="font-size:80%;">Duhok</div>|position=right}}
<!--DISPLAY OF BAGHDAD TEAMS IN BOTTOM LEFT CORNER--> {{Location map~ |Iraq |mark=TransparentPlaceholder.png |marksize=1 |lat=32.800 |long=39.100 |label=<div style="font-size:80%;">'''Baghdad teams'''<br> Al-Kahrabaa<br> Al-Karkh<br> Al-Naft<br> {{nowrap|Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya}}<br> Al-Shorta<br> Al-Talaba<br> Al-Zawraa<br> Amanat Baghdad </div>|position=right}} }}<section end=map /> {{clear}}
===Seasons=== Since its first season in 1974–75 up until the 2025–26 season (not counting the qualifying rounds of the 2000–01 season), 81 teams have participated in at least one round of a top division season. Teams in bold are competing in the Iraq Stars League in the 2025–26 season. Teams in italics represent defunct teams. The year in parentheses represents the most recent year of participation at this level. Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya and Al-Shorta are the only teams to have competed in every season. {{div col|colwidth=45em}} * '''52''' seasons: '''Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya''' (2026), '''Al-Shorta''' (2026) * '''51''' seasons: '''Al-Talaba''' (2026), '''Al-Zawraa''' (2026) * '''48''' seasons: '''Al-Minaa''' (2026) * '''41''' seasons: '''Al-Naft''' (2026) * '''39''' seasons: '''Al-Najaf''' (2026), Al-Sinaa (2023) * '''34''' seasons: '''Erbil''' (2026) * '''32''' seasons: Al-Jaish (2011) * '''30''' seasons: '''Al-Karkh''' (2026) * '''28''' seasons: '''Amanat Baghdad''' (2026) * '''24''' seasons: Salahaddin (2010) * '''23''' seasons: '''Duhok''' (2026), Karbala (2025), Samarra (2022) * '''21''' seasons: '''Al-Kahrabaa''' (2026), '''Al-Mosul''' (2026), '''Zakho''' (2026) * '''20''' seasons: Naft Al-Basra (2025) * '''19''' seasons: Kirkuk (2013) * '''18''' seasons: Al-Samawa (2021) * '''16''' seasons: Al-Shabab (1994), Al-Tijara (1993), '''Diyala''' (2026) * '''15''' seasons: Al-Diwaniya (2023), '''Naft Maysan''' (2026) * '''14''' seasons: Al-Ramadi (2011) * '''13''' seasons: Al-Hudood (2025) * '''12''' seasons: Al-Nasiriya (2011) * '''10''' seasons: Al-Kut (2006), Naft Al-Wasat (2024) * '''9''' seasons: Al-Bahri (2019), Al-Sulaikh (2006), Maysan (2010), Sulaymaniya (2015) * '''8''' seasons: Babil (2005) * '''7''' seasons: '''Al-Qasim''' (2026) * '''6''' seasons: Al-Difaa Al-Jawi (2005), Al-Kadhimiya (2006), ''Al-Rasheed'' (1990), Masafi Al-Wasat (2015) * '''5''' seasons: '''Newroz''' (2026), ''Pires'' (2010) * '''4''' seasons: Al-Ittihad (1982), Al-Sinaat Al-Kahrabaiya (2021), Sirwan (2008) * '''3''' seasons: Al-Amara (1995), ''Al-Baladiyat'' (1977), Al-Basra (2005), Al-Etisalat (2010), Al-Hilla (1978), Al-Hussein (2019), Al-Khutoot (1994), Al-Kufa (2010), Al-Shatra (2008), Al-Umal (1995) * '''2''' seasons: Al-Adala (2008), Al-Furat (2008), Al-Hasanain (2011), Al-Hindiya (2011), '''Al-Karma''' (2026), Al-Salam (1993), Al-Shirqat (2012), Al-Shuala (2008), Al-Thawra (1979), Iraq U19 (1994){{efn|Played the second half of the 1990–91 season and played the first half of the 1993–94 season.}} * '''1''' season: Al-Adhamiya (1981), Al-Dawr Al-Ahli (1993), '''Al-Gharraf''' (2026), Al-Jamahir (1989), ''Al-Muwasalat'' (1975), ''Al-Naqil'' (1975), Al-Numaniya (1989), Al-Rafidain (1975), Al-Taji (2012), Ararat (2006), Balad (2005), Haifa (2000), Masafi Al-Junoob (2010), Peshmerga (2011) {{div col end}}
==Champions== {{Main|List of Iraqi football champions}} ===Performance by club=== {| class="wikitable" |- !Club !Titles !Winning seasons |- |Al-Zawraa |style="text-align:center;"|14 |1975–76, 1976–77, 1978–79, 1990–91, 1993–94, 1994–95, 1995–96, 1998–99, {{nowrap|1999–2000}}, 2000–01, 2005–06, 2010–11, 2015–16, 2017–18 |- |Al-Shorta |style="text-align:center;"|8 |1979–80, 1997–98, 2012–13, 2018–19, 2021–22, 2022–23, 2023–24, 2024–25 |- |{{nowrap|Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya}} |style="text-align:center;"|8 |1974–75, 1989–90, 1991–92, 1996–97, 2004–05, 2016–17, 2020–21, 2025–26 |- |Al-Talaba |style="text-align:center;"|5 |1980–81, 1981–82, 1985–86, 1992–93, 2001–02 |- |Erbil |style="text-align:center;"|4 |2006–07, 2007–08, 2008–09, 2011–12 |- |Al-Rasheed |style="text-align:center;"|3 |1986–87, 1987–88, 1988–89 |- |Al-Minaa |style="text-align:center;"|1 |1977–78 |- |Salahaddin |style="text-align:center;"|1 |1982–83 |- |Al-Jaish |style="text-align:center;"|1 |1983–84 |- |Duhok |style="text-align:center;"|1 |2009–10 |- |Naft Al-Wasat |style="text-align:center;"|1 |2014–15 |- |}
== International competitions == === Qualification for Asian competitions === The champions of the Iraq Stars League qualify for the subsequent season's AFC Champions League Elite league stage, while the winners of the Iraq FA Cup qualify for the AFC Champions League Two group stage. If the same team wins both the Stars League and the FA Cup, the Stars League runners-up qualify for the AFC Champions League Two group stage. The number of places allocated to Iraqi clubs in AFC competitions depends on the country's position in the AFC club competitions ranking, which is calculated based on the performance of clubs in AFC competitions over the previous eight seasons.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://res.cloudinary.com/deltatreafcprod/image/upload/gvwuaoq7r4jwg7bobcdp.pdf|title=Entry Manual: AFC Club Competitions 2017–2020|website=Asian Football Confederation|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171206135816/http://res.cloudinary.com/deltatreafcprod/image/upload/gvwuaoq7r4jwg7bobcdp.pdf|archive-date=6 December 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>
Collectively, Iraqi teams have reached nine finals of Asian club competitions. Before the foundation of the national league, Aliyat Al-Shorta were the first Iraqi team to participate in the Asian Champion Club Tournament in 1971 and they reached the final, but they refused to play Israeli side Maccabi Tel Aviv and took the runner-up spot.<ref name="roll">{{cite web|url=https://www.the-afc.com/news/afcsection/roll-of-honour-19462|title=Roll of honour|publisher=Asian Football Confederation|date=21 February 2011|access-date=19 June 2023|archive-date=23 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200523212913/https://www.the-afc.com/news/afcsection/roll-of-honour-19462|url-status=live}}</ref> Al-Rasheed reached the final of the Asian Club Championship in 1989 but they lost a two-legged final on away goals to Al-Saad of Qatar.<ref name="roll"/> Al-Talaba reached the final of the 1995–96 Asian Cup Winners' Cup but they lost it 2–1 to Bellmare Hiratsuka,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.asian-football.com/competitions/winners/winners_frame.html|title=Asian Cup Winner's Cup|publisher=Asian Football Confederation|date=28 April 1999|access-date=19 June 2023|archive-date=28 April 1999|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19990428134943/http://www.asian-football.com/competitions/winners/winners_frame.html|url-status=bot: unknown}}</ref> while Al-Zawraa lost the final of the same competition 1–0 to Shimizu S-Pulse in 2000.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.iraqsport.net/articles/html/230400-1.html|title=نعم .. الزوراء كان قريبا من الكأس الاسيوية ولكن ..!|publisher=Iraq Sport|last=Al-Abed|first=Safaa|lang=ar|date=23 April 2000|access-date=8 September 2023|archive-date=10 May 2000|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000510204303/http://www.iraqsport.net/articles/html/230400-1.html|url-status=bot: unknown}}</ref> Erbil reached the final of Asia's secondary tournament, the AFC Cup, twice in 2012 and 2014 but lost both times to Al-Kuwait and Al-Qadsia respectively.<ref name="rise"/> Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya managed to win the AFC Cup when they beat Indian club Bengaluru FC 1–0 in the 2016 final, and they won the competition for the second consecutive season in 2017 by beating FC Istiklol by the same scoreline. They earned a joint-record third AFC Cup title with a 2–0 defeat of Altyn Asyr in 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.the-afc.com/competitions/afc-cup/latest/news/air-force-club-create-history|title=Air Force Club create history|publisher=Asian Football Confederation|date=27 October 2018|access-date=19 June 2023|archive-date=7 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190907144843/http://www.the-afc.com/competitions/afc-cup/latest/news/air-force-club-create-history|url-status=live}}</ref>
==== Best Asian performance by club ==== {{main|Iraqi football clubs in Asian competitions}} {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align: center;" !scope="col" width="140" | Club !scope="col" | AFC Champions League Elite / Asian Club Championship !scope="col" | AFC Champions League Two / AFC Cup !scope="col" | Asian Cup Winners' Cup |- !scope=row|Al-Kahrabaa | – | {{Awards table sorting|Zonal semi-finals}} <br /> 2023–24 | – |- !scope=row|Al-Minaa | {{Awards table sorting|Group stage}} <br /> 2006 | – | – |- !scope=row|Al-Najaf | {{Awards table sorting|Group stage}} <br /> 2007 | – | – |- !scope=row|Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya | {{Awards table sorting|Round of 16}} <br /> 1998–99 | bgcolor="gold" {{Awards table sorting|b=y|Winners| (3)|addkey=3}} <br /> 2016, 2017, 2018 | {{Awards table sorting|First round| (2)|addkey=2}} <br /> 1996–97, 2001–02 |- !scope=row|Al-Rasheed | bgcolor="silver" {{Awards table sorting|b=y|Runners-up}} <br /> 1988–89 | – | – |- !scope=row|Al-Shorta | {{Awards table sorting|Quarter-finals}} <br /> 1999–2000 | {{Awards table sorting|Round of 16}} <br /> 2015 | {{Awards table sorting|Quarter-finals}} <br /> 1997–98 |- !scope=row|Al-Talaba | bgcolor="#9acdff" {{Awards table sorting|b=y|Fourth place}} <br /> 1986 | {{Awards table sorting|Group stage}} <br /> 2011 | bgcolor="silver" {{Awards table sorting|b=y|Runners-up}} <br /> 1995–96 |- !scope=row|Al-Zawraa | bgcolor="#9acdff" {{Awards table sorting|b=y|Fourth place}} <br /> 1996–97 | {{Awards table sorting|Zonal semi-finals}} <br /> 2017 | bgcolor="silver" {{Awards table sorting|b=y|Runners-up}} <br /> 1999–2000 |- !scope=row|Aliyat Al-Shorta | bgcolor="silver" {{Awards table sorting|b=y|Runners-up}} <br /> 1971 | – | – |- !scope=row|Duhok | – | {{Awards table sorting|Quarter-finals}} <br /> 2011 | – |- !scope=row|Erbil | {{Awards table sorting|Group stage}} <br /> 2008 | bgcolor="silver" {{Awards table sorting|b=y|Runners-up| (2)|addkey=2}} <br /> 2012, 2014 | – |- !scope=row|Naft Al-Wasat | – | {{Awards table sorting|Round of 16}} <br /> 2016 | – |}
=== Qualification for Arab competitions === Iraqi clubs also participate in the Arab Club Champions Cup, which is organised by the Union of Arab Football Associations, and the AGCFF Gulf Club Champions League, which is organised by the Arab Gulf Cup Football Federation.
Al-Shorta won the inaugural edition of the Arab Club Champions Cup in 1982 by defeating Al-Nejmeh 4–2 on aggregate in the final,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mondialar.com/%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A8%D8%B7%D9%88%D9%84%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%88%D9%84%D9%89-%D9%84%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%86%D8%AF%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D8%B1%D8%A8%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D8%A8%D9%83%D8%B1%D8%A9-%D8%A7/|publisher=Mondial AR|last=Al-Khafadji|first=Yass|title=البطولة الاولى للاندية العربية بكرة القدم|language=Arabic|date=20 July 2017|access-date=19 June 2023|archive-date=19 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230219105722/https://mondialar.com/%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A8%D8%B7%D9%88%D9%84%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%88%D9%84%D9%89-%D9%84%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%86%D8%AF%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D8%B1%D8%A8%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D8%A8%D9%83%D8%B1%D8%A9-%D8%A7/|url-status=usurped}}</ref> and Al-Rasheed won the Arab Club Champions Cup three times in a row in 1985, 1986 and 1987 making them the competition's joint-most successful side.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uafaonline.com/index.php?page_id=77|title=بطولات الأندية العربية أبطال الدوري|publisher=Union of Arab Football Associations|lang=ar|date=11 July 2017|access-date=19 June 2023|archive-date=11 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170711230925/http://www.uafaonline.com/index.php?page_id=77|url-status=dead}}</ref> Meanwhile, Duhok won the AGCFF Gulf Club Champions League in the 2024–25 season by defeating Al-Qadsia 2–1 on aggregate in the final.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rudaw.net/english/kurdistan/150420256|title=Duhok SC crowned Gulf Clubs Champion after thrilling win|publisher=Rudaw|date=15 April 2025}}</ref>
==== Best Arab performance by club ==== {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align: center;" !scope="col" width="140" | Club !scope="col" | Arab Club Champions Cup !scope="col" | AGCFF Gulf Club Champions League !scope="col" | Arab Cup Winners' Cup |- !scope=row|Al-Jaish | {{Awards table sorting|Group stage}} <br /> 1987 | – | – |- !scope=row|Al-Naft | {{Awards table sorting|Round of 16}} <br /> 2018–19 | – | – |- !scope=row|Al-Najaf | {{Awards table sorting|Round of 16}} <br /> 2007–08 | – | – |- !scope=row|Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya | {{Awards table sorting|Quarter-finals}} <br /> 2012–13 | – | – |- !scope=row|Al-Rasheed | bgcolor="gold" {{Awards table sorting|b=y|Winners| (3)|addkey=3}} <br /> 1985, 1986, 1987 | – | bgcolor="#cc9966" {{Awards table sorting|b=y|Third place}} <br /> 1989 |- !scope=row|Al-Shabab | bgcolor="#cc9966" {{Awards table sorting|b=y|Third place}} <br /> 1988 | – | – |- !scope=row|Al-Shorta | bgcolor="gold" {{Awards table sorting|b=y|Winners}} <br /> 1981–82 | – | – |- !scope=row|Al-Talaba | {{Awards table sorting|Quarter-finals}} <br /> 2003–04 | – | – |- !scope=row|Al-Zawraa | {{Awards table sorting|Round of 16| (2)|addkey=2}} <br /> 2003–04, 2005–06 | – | – |- !scope=row|Duhok | – | bgcolor="gold" {{Awards table sorting|b=y|Winners}} <br /> 2024–25 | – |- !scope=row|Erbil | {{Awards table sorting|Round of 32}} <br /> 2006–07 | – | – |- !scope=row|Naft Al-Wasat | {{Awards table sorting|Group stage}} <br /> 2017 | – | – |- !scope=row|Zakho | – | bgcolor="#81c846" {{Awards table sorting|b=y|Semi-finals}} <br /> 2025–26 | – |}
==Sponsorship== The league was founded as the National Clubs First Division League and has been renamed several times, with the current name of Stars League remaining in place since 2023. The competition has had title sponsorship rights sold to three companies: Zain Iraq in the 2009–10 season,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://forum.kooora.com/f.aspx?t=22083362|title=اطلاق تسمية دوري زين على الدوري العراقي لكرة القدم|publisher=Kooora|date=22 February 2010|access-date=19 June 2023|archive-date=12 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220512230921/https://forum.kooora.com/f.aspx?t=22083362|url-status=live}}</ref> Asiacell in the 2010–11 and 2011–12 seasons<ref>{{cite web|url=https://ifa.iq/%D8%AC%D8%AF%D9%88%D9%84-%D8%AA%D8%B1%D8%AA%D9%8A%D8%A8-%D9%81%D8%B1%D9%82-%D8%A7%D9%86%D8%AF%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D8%AF%D9%88%D8%B1%D9%8A-%D8%A7%D8%B3%D9%8A%D8%A7%D8%B3%D9%8A%D9%84-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%86%D8%AE-1352/|title=جدول ترتيب فرق اندية دوري اسياسيل (النخبة) 2010-2011 – الدور الثالث و العشرون|publisher=Iraq Football Association|lang=ar|access-date=19 June 2023|archive-date=19 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230619223816/https://ifa.iq/%D8%AC%D8%AF%D9%88%D9%84-%D8%AA%D8%B1%D8%AA%D9%8A%D8%A8-%D9%81%D8%B1%D9%82-%D8%A7%D9%86%D8%AF%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D8%AF%D9%88%D8%B1%D9%8A-%D8%A7%D8%B3%D9%8A%D8%A7%D8%B3%D9%8A%D9%84-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%86%D8%AE-1352/|url-status=live}}</ref> and Fuchs in the 2015–16 season.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://iraq.shafaqna.com/AR/6941/%D8%AA%D8%BA%D9%8A%D9%8A%D8%B1-%D8%A7%D8%B3%D9%85-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AF%D9%88%D8%B1%D9%8A-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%82%D9%8A-%D9%84%D9%83%D8%B1%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%82%D8%AF%D9%85-%D8%A5%D9%84/|title=تغيير اسم الدوري العراقي لكرة القدم إلى "دوري فوكس"|publisher=Shafaqna|date=12 April 2015|lang=ar|access-date=19 June 2023|archive-date=19 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230619223808/https://iraq.shafaqna.com/AR/6941/%D8%AA%D8%BA%D9%8A%D9%8A%D8%B1-%D8%A7%D8%B3%D9%85-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AF%D9%88%D8%B1%D9%8A-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%82%D9%8A-%D9%84%D9%83%D8%B1%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%82%D8%AF%D9%85-%D8%A5%D9%84/|url-status=live}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;margin-left:1em;float:center" !Period !Sponsor !Name |- |1974–1988||rowspan=9|No sponsor ||National Clubs First Division League |- |1988–1989||Pan-National Clubs First Division League |- |1989–1995||National Clubs First Division League |- |1995–1996||Advanced League |- |1996–1999||Premier League |- |1999–2000||First Division League |- |2000–2002||Elite League |- |2002–2003||First Division League |- |2003–2009||Premier League |- |2009–2010||Zain Iraq||Zain Iraq League |- |2010–2012||Asiacell||Asiacell Elite League |- |2012–2013||rowspan=2|No sponsor ||Elite League |- |2013–2015||Premier League |- |2015–2016||Fuchs||Fuchs Premier League |- |2016–2023 ||rowspan=2|No sponsor ||Premier League |- |2023–present |Stars League |}
== Media coverage == The television rights for the Iraq Stars League are held by the Iraqi state broadcaster Al-Iraqiya through its sports channel, Al-Iraqiya Sports. In 2025, Al-Iraqiya Sports acquired the broadcasting rights for multiple domestic competitions, including the Iraq Stars League, the Iraqi Premier Division League, the Iraq FA Cup, the Iraqi Super Cup, and the Iraqi Futsal Pro League. The agreement, which also includes production rights, was reportedly valued at approximately 17 billion Iraqi dinars (around US$13 million) and involves both the Iraqi Pro League Association and its commercial partner, Ishtar Company.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://x.com/Ali_nori2000/status/1966279343606210601|title=العراقية الرياضية تحصل على حقوق دوري نجوم العراق للمحترفين|lang=ar|publisher=Ali Nori|date=12 September 2025|access-date=12 April 2026}}</ref>
Several Arab broadcasters have entered into negotiations with Al-Iraqiya Sports to obtain secondary rights. These include the Qatari network Al-Kass Sports Channels for selected high-profile matches and MBC Group for highlights coverage. Access to stadiums and media activities is regulated by Al-Iraqiya Sports, with other broadcasters required to reach agreements in order to provide on-site coverage and sports programming.
==Managers== Managers in the Iraq Stars League are involved in the day-to-day running of the team, including the training, team selection and player acquisition. Their influence varies from club-to-club. Managers are required to have an AFC Pro-Diploma which is the highest level of coaching accreditation issued by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://almaalomah.me/news/93224/sports/%D8%AA%D8%AD%D8%AF%D9%8A%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D8%A3%D9%85%D8%A7%D9%85-%D8%AA%D8%B3%D9%85%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D9%85%D8%AF%D8%B1%D8%A8-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B4%D8%B1%D8%B7%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AC%D8%AF%D9%8A%D8%AF|publisher=Al-Maloomah|title=تحديات أمام تسمية مدرب الشرطة الجديد|date=11 March 2025|language=ar}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" |+ Current Iraq Stars League managers |- !scope="col"| Manager !scope="col"| Nationality !scope="col"| Club !scope="col"| Appointed !scope="col"| Time as manager |- !scope="row"| {{sortname|Adel|Nima}} | {{Flagu|Iraq}} || Al-Naft || {{dts|format=dmy|2024|8|8}} || {{ayd|2024|8|8}} |- !scope="row"| {{sortname|Yamen|Zelfani}} | {{Flagu|Tunisia}} || Diyala || {{dts|format=dmy|2024|11|12}} || {{ayd|2024|11|12}} |- !scope="row"| {{sortname|Ayman|Hakeem}} | {{Flagu|Syria}} || Al-Karkh || {{dts|format=dmy|2025|7|3}} || {{ayd|2025|7|3}} |- !scope="row"| {{sortname|Rashid|Jaber}} | {{Flagu|Oman}} || Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya || {{dts|format=dmy|2025|7|29}} || {{ayd|2025|7|29}} |- !scope="row"| {{sortname|Basim|Qasim}} | {{Flagu|Iraq}} || Erbil || {{dts|format=dmy|2025|8|6}} || {{ayd|2025|8|6}} |- !scope="row"| {{sortname|Wali|Kareem}} | {{Flagu|Iraq}} || Newroz || {{dts|format=dmy|2025|10|28}} || {{ayd|2025|10|28}} |- !scope="row"| {{sortname|Alireza|Mansourian}} | {{Flagu|Iran}} || Al-Talaba || {{dts|format=dmy|2025|11|28}} || {{ayd|2025|11|28}} |- !scope="row"| {{sortname|Haitham|Al-Shboul}} | {{Flagu|Jordan}} || Al-Mosul || {{dts|format=dmy|2026|1|28}} || {{ayd|2026|1|28}} |- !scope="row"| {{sortname|Luay|Salah}} | {{Flagu|Iraq}} || Al-Zawraa || {{dts|format=dmy|2026|2|25}} || {{ayd|2026|2|25}} |- !scope="row"| {{sortname|Ali|Abdul-Jabbar}} | {{Flagu|Iraq}} || Naft Maysan || {{dts|format=dmy|2026|2|25}} || {{ayd|2026|2|25}} |- !scope="row"| {{sortname|Hussein|Abdul-Wahed|Hussein Abdul-Wahid Waham}} | {{Flagu|Iraq}} || Al-Minaa || {{dts|format=dmy|2026|2|27}} || {{ayd|2026|2|27}} |- !scope="row"| {{sortname|Wissam|Talib}} | {{Flagu|Iraq}} || Amanat Baghdad || {{dts|format=dmy|2026|3|7}} || {{ayd|2026|3|7}} |- !scope="row"| {{sortname|Hassan|Hadi}} | {{Flagu|Iraq}} || Al-Qasim || {{dts|format=dmy|2026|3|11}} || {{ayd|2026|3|11}} |- !scope="row"| {{sortname|Ahmed|Khalaf|Ahmed Khalaf (footballer)}} | {{Flagu|Iraq}} || Duhok || {{dts|format=dmy|2026|3|19}} || {{ayd|2026|3|19}} |- !scope="row"| {{sortname|Qahtan|Chathir}} | {{Flagu|Iraq}} || Al-Gharraf || {{dts|format=dmy|2026|3|23}} || {{ayd|2026|3|23}} |- !scope="row"| {{sortname|Chasib|Sultan}} | {{Flagu|Iraq}} || Al-Najaf || {{dts|format=dmy|2026|4|5}} || {{ayd|2026|4|5}} |- !scope="row"| {{sortname|Ahmed|Salah|Ahmed Salah Alwan}} | {{Flagu|Iraq}} || Al-Shorta || {{dts|format=dmy|2026|4|27}} || {{ayd|2026|4|27}} |- !scope="row"| {{sortname|Hassan|Ahmed|Hassan Ahmed (footballer)}} | {{Flagu|Iraq}} || Al-Kahrabaa || {{dts|format=dmy|2026|4|28}} || {{ayd|2026|4|28}} |- !scope="row"| {{sortname|Moamen|Soliman}} | {{Flagu|Egypt}} || Al-Karma || {{dts|format=dmy|2026|5|2}} || {{ayd|2026|5|2}} |- !scope="row"| {{sortname|Abdul-Ghani|Shahad}} | {{Flagu|Iraq}} || Zakho || {{dts|format=dmy|2026|5|18}} || {{ayd|2026|5|18}} |}
== Players == ===Top scorers=== {{see also|List of Iraq Stars League top scorers}} <onlyinclude>{{updated|27 April 2026.}}<ref name="sabti">{{cite book|last1=Al-Sabti|first1=Ali|title=Iraqi League History 1974-2011|year=2014|location=Iraq}}</ref> {| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" |- ! scope="col" |Rank ! scope="col" |Player ! scope="col" |Goals ! scope="col" |{{Abbr|First app|Year of first appearance}} ! scope="col" |{{Abbr|Last app|Year of last appearance}} ! class="unsortable" |Club(s) (goals) |- |1 |style="text-align:left"|{{fbicon|IRQ}} {{sortname|Amjad|Radhi}} |'''180'''{{efn|Goal against Karbala (16 August 2010; match abandoned) and goal against Erbil (26 October 2016; match result annulled) are not counted.}} |2007||2024 |style="text-align:left"|Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya (97), Erbil (75), Al-Najaf (8) |- |2 |style="text-align:left"|{{fbicon|IRQ}} {{sortname|Sahib|Abbas}} |'''177''' |1988||2012 |style="text-align:left"|Salahaddin (42), Al-Zawraa (62), Al-Talaba (18), Karbala (50), Al-Sinaa (5) |- |3 |style="text-align:left"|{{nowrap|{{fbicon|IRQ}} '''{{sortname|Alaa|Abdul-Zahra}}'''}} |'''172''' |2004||present |style="text-align:left"|Al-Zawraa (54), Duhok (26), Al-Shorta (78), Al-Minaa (11), Al-Talaba (3) |- |4 |style="text-align:left"|{{fbicon|IRQ}} {{sortname|Karim|Saddam}} |'''171''' |1979||1996 |style="text-align:left"|Al-Sinaa (23), Al-Jaish (11), Al-Rasheed (4), Al-Zawraa (127), Al-Shorta (6) |- |5 |style="text-align:left"|{{fbicon|IRQ}} {{sortname|Ali|Hashim}} |'''170''' |1987||2004 |style="text-align:left"|Al-Najaf (149), Al-Karkh (21) |- |6 |style="text-align:left"|{{fbicon|IRQ}} {{sortname|Hussein|Abdullah}} |'''167''' |1991||2010 |style="text-align:left"|Al-Sinaa (32), Al-Naft (16), Diyala (40), Duhok (58), Erbil (14), Kirkuk (2), Pires (5) |- |7 |style="text-align:left"|{{fbicon|IRQ}} {{sortname|Hammadi|Ahmed}} |'''162'''{{efn|Goal against Al-Kahrabaa (25 October 2014; match awarded 0–3) and goal against Erbil (26 October 2016; match result annulled) are not counted.}} |2005||2023 |style="text-align:left"|Samarra (19), Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya (143) |- |8 |style="text-align:left"|{{fbicon|IRQ}} {{sortname|Younis|Abid Ali}} |'''157''' |1983||2000 |style="text-align:left"|Al-Shorta (135), Al-Rasheed (15), Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya (3), Al-Difaa Al-Jawi (4) |- |9 |style="text-align:left"|{{fbicon|IRQ}} {{sortname|Ahmed|Radhi}} |'''146''' |1981||1999 |style="text-align:left"|Al-Zawraa (103), Al-Rasheed (43) |- |10 |style="text-align:left"|{{fbicon|IRQ}} {{sortname|Alaa|Kadhim}} |'''145''' |1988||2007 |style="text-align:left"|Al-Sinaa (8), Al-Talaba (137) |}
<small>'''Bold''' denotes players still playing in the Iraq Stars League.</small></onlyinclude>
==Awards==
===Trophy=== The current Iraq Stars League trophy was unveiled on 13 July 2024 and was designed and sculpted by the Iraqi painter and sculptor Ahmed Albahrani. It features a predominantly silver structure with curved, textured forms rising upward in a spiral shape. The trophy is topped by a stylised football composed of interlocking silver panels with gold accents. Its base is rectangular and bears an engraved plaque displaying the words "Iraq Stars League" in both English and Arabic, alongside the competition’s logo and the season.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/iraqstarsleagueofficial/videos/1030631241977180/|title=فيديو/ المؤتمر الصحفي للنحات العالمي احمد البحراني …|publisher=Iraq Stars League|date=13 July 2024|language=ar}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/iraqstarsleagueofficial/videos/1030631241977180/|title=فيديو/ المؤتمر الصحفي للنحات العالمي احمد البحراني …|publisher=Iraq Stars League|date=13 July 2024|lang=ar}}</ref>
===Individual awards=== After each round of matches, fans vote for the 'Player of the Round' from a five-man shortlist posted on the Iraq Stars League's social media channels, while 'Player of the Month' and 'Manager of the Month' awards are handed out at the end of each month, selected by a panel of experts.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/iraqstarsleagueofficial/posts/pfbid0NRMUcw3SNrXViiNGCSAwppLspjAYAgACdc9NvYvCkor8RcEA8eCpUaAujQiiHm9Vl|title=مدرب نوروز ولي كريم يتوج بلقب مدرب الشهر|publisher=Iraq Stars League|language=ar|date=2 April 2026}}</ref> At the end of each season, the 'Golden Boot' is awarded to the top scorer, while the 'Player of the Season' is selected by an expert panel and the 'Goal of the Season' is voted for by fans.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://x.com/AlShortaSC1932/status/1812593997216358619|title=محمود المواس يتربع على عرش اللاعبين كأفضل لاعب في دوري نجوم العراق|publisher=Al-Shorta SC|date=14 July 2024|language=ar}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/reel/1253610162182837|title=أجملُ عشرة أهدافٍ على لائحةِ التَصويتِ الجماهيريّ.. اختر واحداً ليكون the best الموسم الماضي|language=ar|publisher=Iraq Stars League|date=31 August 2024}}</ref>
==Records== ===League records=== [[File:Al-Shorta and Al-Diwaniya match at Al-Shaab Stadium, 16 January 2022.jpg|thumb|upright|right|Al-Shorta broke the records for the biggest title-winning margin and the earliest title win during the 2021–22 season.]] ;Titles *'''Most titles:''' 14, Al-Zawraa<ref name="booklet">{{cite book|publisher=Iraq Football Association|title=كراس الدوري العراقي - موسم ٢٠٢٠ - ٢٠٢١|date=23 October 2020|location=Iraq|lang=ar}}</ref> *'''Most consecutive title wins:''' 4, Al-Shorta (2021–22, 2022–23, 2023–24, 2024–25)<ref name="booklet"/> *'''Biggest title-winning margin:''' 21 points, 2021–22; Al-Shorta (91 points) over Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya (70 points)<ref name="SHR">{{cite web|url=https://forum.kooora.com/f.aspx?t=38725431|title=موسم الإنجاز وأرقام قياسية ... تفاصيل مباريات الشرطة في موسم 2021-2022|publisher=Al-Shorta SC|lang=ar|date=9 July 2022|access-date=19 June 2023|archive-date=19 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230619232452/https://forum.kooora.com/f.aspx?t=38725431|url-status=live}}</ref> *'''Smallest title-winning margin:''' 0 points, 0 goal difference and 2 wins – 1980–81; Al-Talaba (8 wins) over Al-Shorta (6 wins)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://forum.kooora.com/f.aspx?t=33236946|title=نهايات مثيرة للدوري العراقي|last=Al-Adhari|first=Mundher|lang=ar|publisher=Kooora|date=8 September 2013|access-date=19 June 2023|archive-date=19 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230619232451/https://forum.kooora.com/f.aspx?t=33236946|url-status=live}}</ref> *'''Earliest title win with the most games remaining:''' 7 games, Al-Shorta (2021–22)<ref name="SHR"/>
;Wins *'''Most consecutive wins:''' 11 – joint record: **Al-Shorta (13 March – 22 May 1998)<ref name="SHR2">{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/AlShortaSC_EN/status/1493286919828123648|title=Al-Shorta hold the two longest winning streaks in #IPFL history|publisher=Al-Shorta SC|date=14 February 2022|access-date=19 June 2023|archive-date=14 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220214181708/https://twitter.com/AlShortaSC_EN/status/1493286919828123648|url-status=live}}</ref> **Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya (22 January – 26 March 2026)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.alkhaleej.ae/2026-03-26/%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%82%D9%88%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AC%D9%88%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D9%8A%D8%B9%D8%B2%D8%B2-%D8%B5%D8%AF%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%AA%D9%87-%D9%84%D9%84%D8%AF%D9%88%D8%B1%D9%8A-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%82%D9%8A-%D9%88%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B4%D8%B1%D8%B7%D8%A9-%D9%8A%D9%88%D8%A7%D8%B5%D9%84-%D9%85%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%AD%D9%82%D8%AA%D9%87-6376521/%D8%B1%D9%8A%D8%A7%D8%B6%D8%A9-%D8%B9%D8%B1%D8%A8%D9%8A/%D8%B1%D9%8A%D8%A7%D8%B6%D8%A9|title=القوة الجوية يعزز صدارته للدوري العراقي.. والشرطة يواصل ملاحقته|date=26 March 2026|language=ar|publisher=Al-Khaleej}}</ref> *'''Most consecutive wins from the start of a season:''' 9 – joint record:<ref>{{cite web|url=https://forum.kooora.com/f.aspx?t=37447012|title=موسوعة ارشيف الزوراء (الجزء الحادي والخمسين)|publisher=Kooora|lang=ar|date=3 October 2018|access-date=19 June 2023|archive-date=19 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230619232450/https://forum.kooora.com/f.aspx?t=37447012|url-status=live}}</ref> **Erbil (2008–09) **Al-Zawraa (2017–18) *'''Most consecutive wins to the end of a season:''' 11, Al-Shorta (1997–98)<ref name="SHR2"/> *'''Defeated all league opponents at least once in a season:''' joint record:<ref>{{cite web|url=https://forum.kooora.com/f.aspx?t=38660019|title=تعرف على الأندية التي فاز على جميع الفرق الأخرى في الدوري العراقي|publisher=Kooora|lang=ar|date=29 April 2022|access-date=19 June 2023|archive-date=19 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230619232449/https://forum.kooora.com/f.aspx?t=38660019|url-status=live}}</ref> **Al-Tayaran (1974–75, 9 opponents) **Al-Zawraa (2000–01, 15 opponents) **Al-Shorta (2021–22, 19 opponents)
;Losses *'''Fewest losses in a season:''' 0 – joint record:<ref name="sabti"/> **Al-Zawraa four times (1976–77, 11 rounds, 1978–79, 12 rounds, 2005–06, 19 rounds, 2015–16, 24 rounds) **Al-Jamiea (1976–77, 11 rounds) **Al-Minaa (1977–78, 13 rounds) **Al-Shorta (1980–81, 11 rounds) **Salahaddin (1982–83, 22 rounds) **Al-Jaish (1983–84, 24 rounds) *'''Longest unbeaten run:''' 39 games – joint record:<ref>{{cite web|url=https://forum.kooora.com/f.aspx?t=38062580|title=بمناسبة مرور عام على تتويج الشرطة بلقب الدوري ... تفاصيل مبارياته في ذلك الموسم|publisher=Al-Shorta SC|date=19 July 2020|lang=ar|access-date=19 June 2023|archive-date=19 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230619232451/https://forum.kooora.com/f.aspx?t=38062580|url-status=live}}</ref> **Al-Zawraa (25 November 1993 – 3 October 1994) **Al-Shorta (21 May 2018 – 23 May 2019)
;Goals *'''Most consecutive matches scored in:''' 43, Al-Shorta (4 April 1997 – 13 November 1998)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.alshortasc.com/records|title=نادي الشرطة العراقي - الإحصائيات|publisher=Al-Shorta SC|lang=ar|access-date=30 June 2023|archive-date=25 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211125113623/https://www.alshortasc.com/records|url-status=dead}}</ref> *'''Most consecutive matches without conceding a goal:''' 14, Erbil (16 July 2009 – 20 March 2010)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://forum.kooora.com/f.aspx?t=22184260|title=اربيل ورقم قياسي جديد 990 دقيقة بدون هدف بمرماهم ... وننتظر رقم جديد الفوز بالدوري اربع مرات م|publisher=Kooora|last=Anwiyah|first=Emmanuel|lang=ar|date=28 February 2010|access-date=19 June 2023|archive-date=19 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230619232448/https://forum.kooora.com/f.aspx?t=22184260|url-status=live}}</ref> *'''Scored in every match during a season:''' joint record:<ref name="sabti"/> **Al-Shorta twice (1980–81, 11 rounds, and 1997–98, 30 rounds) **Al-Zawraa (1976–77, 11 rounds) **Al-Minaa (1977–78, 13 rounds) **Karbala (2005–06, 16 rounds up to elimination)
===Match records=== [[File:Al-Shaab Stadium3 (3).JPG|thumb|right|The highest attendance ever recorded for an Iraq Stars League match was between Al-Shorta and Al-Zawraa at Al-Shaab Stadium in 1991.]] {{see also|List of highest-scoring Iraq Stars League matches}} ;Scorelines *'''Highest scoring match:''' 11 goals – joint record:<ref>{{cite web|url=https://forum.kooora.com/?t=12708218|publisher=Kooora|title=دوري الكرة في التاريخ|lang=ar|date=31 October 2008|access-date=19 June 2023|archive-date=19 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230619232449/https://forum.kooora.com/?t=12708218|url-status=live}}</ref> **Al-Naqil 11–0 Al-Shorta (12 October 1974) **Al-Ramadi 11–0 Kirkuk (15 May 1995) **Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya 9–2 Al-Diwaniya (11 May 2023)
;Attendances *'''Highest attendance, single game:''' 68,000, Al-Shorta ''v.'' Al-Zawraa (at Al-Shaab Stadium, 13 December 1991)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://forum.kooora.com/f.aspx?t=34883257|title=بمناسبة ذكرى افتتاحه: ملعب الشعب..حقائق غائبة.. وثائق تاريخية.. أحداث وغرائب!!|lang=ar|publisher=Kooora|date=5 November 2014|access-date=19 June 2023|archive-date=19 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230619232450/https://forum.kooora.com/f.aspx?t=34883257|url-status=live}}</ref>
===Player records=== {{see also|List of Iraq Stars League hat-tricks}} ;Appearances *'''Youngest player:''' Mohanad Ali, 13 years and 279 days (for Al-Shorta ''v.'' Al-Talaba, 26 March 2014)<ref>{{cite web|title=الشرطه 2 _1 الطلبه جرت في 26_3_2014 |language=ar | publisher=Waar Sport |date=26 March 2014 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FcHBaDvd4-A&t=5413}}</ref>
;Titles *'''Most titles:''' 7 – joint record:<ref>{{cite web|url=https://almadapaper.net/view.php?cat=113924|title=سلام هاشم .. المُنجِز القياسي|publisher=Almada Paper|date=1 October 2014|lang=ar|access-date=19 June 2023|archive-date=19 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230619232450/https://almadapaper.net/view.php?cat=113924|url-status=live}}</ref> **Salam Hashim (three with Al-Rasheed in 1986–87, 1987–88 and 1988–89 and four with Al-Zawraa in 1990–91, 1993–94, 1994–95 and 1995–96) **Mudhahar Khalaf (three with Al-Rasheed in 1986–87, 1987–88 and 1988–89, three with Al-Zawraa in 1993–94, 1994–95 and 1995–96 and one with Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya in 1996–97) **Mohamed Jassim Mahdi (seven with Al-Zawraa in 1990–91, 1993–94, 1994–95, 1995–96, 1998–99, 1999–2000, 2000–01) *'''Most titles as captain:''' 3 – joint record:<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/players/iraq-cap-champs.html|title=Iraq - Championship Winning Captains|publisher=RSSSF|date=26 July 2006|access-date=19 June 2023|archive-date=19 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230619232449/https://www.rsssf.org/players/iraq-cap-champs.html|url-status=live}}</ref> **Hazem Jassam (three with Al-Zawraa in 1975–76, 1976–77 and 1978–79) **Ahmed Radhi (one with Al-Rasheed in 1988–89 and two with Al-Zawraa in 1990–91 and 1998–99) **Rafid Badr Al-Deen (three with Erbil in 2006–07, 2007–08 and 2008–09) **Alaa Abdul-Zahra (three with Al-Shorta in 2021–22, 2022–23 and 2023–24)
;Goals *'''Most goals:''' 180, Amjad Radhi<ref name="sabti"/> *'''Most goals for one club:''' 149, Ali Hashim (for Al-Najaf)<ref name="sabti"/> *'''Most top scorer awards:''' 4, Karim Saddam (1988–89, 1989–90, 1990–91, 1992–93)<ref name="booklet"/> *'''Most consecutive top scorer awards:''' 3 – joint record:<ref name="booklet"/> **Rahim Hameed (1985–86, 1986–87, 1987–88) **Karim Saddam (1988–89, 1989–90, 1990–91) *'''Most goals in a season:''' 36, Younis Abid Ali (1993–94, 50 rounds)<ref name="booklet"/> *'''Most goals in a single game:''' 6 – joint record:<ref>{{cite web|url=https://forum.kooora.com/f.aspx?t=12971710|title=لاعبون سجلوا 6 اهداف في مباراة واحدة في الدوري الممتاز بكرة القدم|lang=ar|publisher=Kooora|date=17 November 2008|access-date=19 June 2023|archive-date=19 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230619232449/https://forum.kooora.com/f.aspx?t=12971710|url-status=live}}</ref> **Shakir Mohammed Sabbar (for Al-Ramadi ''v.'' Kirkuk, 15 May 1995) **Sahib Abbas (for Al-Zawraa ''v.'' Al-Karkh, 18 October 1996) **Alaa Kadhim (for Al-Talaba ''v.'' Al-Mosul, 9 January 1998) *'''Fastest goal:''' 9.504 seconds, Alaa Abdul-Zahra (for Al-Shorta ''v.'' Naft Al-Junoob, 21 October 2018)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://almasalah.com/Ar/news/153748/%D8%B9%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%A1-%D8%B9%D8%A8%D8%AF-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B2%D9%87%D8%B1%D8%A9-%D9%8A%D8%AF%D8%AE%D9%84-%D8%AA%D8%A7%D8%B1%D9%8A%D8%AE-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AF%D9%88%D8%B1%D9%8A-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%82%D9%8A-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D9%85%D8%AA%D8%A7%D8%B2|title=Alaa Abdul Zahra enters the history of the Iraqi Premier League|publisher=Al-Masalah|date=22 October 2018|access-date=21 May 2020|archive-date=25 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200725041754/https://almasalah.com/Ar/news/153748/%D8%B9%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%A1-%D8%B9%D8%A8%D8%AF-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B2%D9%87%D8%B1%D8%A9-%D9%8A%D8%AF%D8%AE%D9%84-%D8%AA%D8%A7%D8%B1%D9%8A%D8%AE-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AF%D9%88%D8%B1%D9%8A-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%82%D9%8A-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D9%85%D8%AA%D8%A7%D8%B2|url-status=live}}</ref> *'''Most hat-tricks:''' 10 – joint record:<ref name="sabti"/> **Qahtan Chathir **Sahib Abbas *'''Most hat-tricks in a season:''' 4, Qahtan Chathir (Al-Karkh, 1999–2000)<ref name="sabti"/>
===Managerial records=== [[File:ايوب اوديشو في احد البطولات الاسيويه.jpg|thumb|Ayoub Odisho is the most successful manager in Iraq Stars League history, having won four league titles.]] {{see also|List of Iraq Stars League winning managers}} ;Titles The following managers have won multiple titles:<ref>{{cite web|url=http://niiiis.com/leaguecoaches.html|title=المدربون الفائزون حملة لقب الدوري|publisher=NIIIIS.com|lang=ar|access-date=20 June 2023|archive-date=19 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230619232451/http://niiiis.com/leaguecoaches.html|url-status=live}}</ref> {| class="wikitable" |- !Manager !Club(s) !Wins !Winning seasons |- |{{flagicon|IRQ}} Ayoub Odisho |style="text-align:center"|Al-Talaba, Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya (2), Al-Zawraa |style="text-align:center;"| 4 |1992–93, 1996–97, 2017–18, 2020–21 |- |{{flagicon|IRQ}} Jamal Salih |style="text-align:center"|Al-Talaba, Al-Rasheed (2) |style="text-align:center;" rowspan=4|3 |1981–82, 1987–88, 1988–89 |- |{{flagicon|IRQ}} Thair Ahmed |style="text-align:center"|Al-Talaba, Erbil (2) |2001–02, 2007–08, 2008–09 |- |{{flagicon|IRQ}} Basim Qasim |style="text-align:center"|Duhok, Al-Zawraa, Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya |2009–10, 2015–16, 2016–17 |- |{{flagicon|EGY}} Moamen Soliman |style="text-align:center"|Al-Shorta |2021–22, 2023–24, 2024–25 |- |{{flagicon|IRQ}} Saadi Salih |style="text-align:center"|Al-Zawraa |style="text-align:center;" rowspan=5|2 |1975–76, 1976–77 |- |{{flagicon|IRQ}} Ammo Baba |style="text-align:center"|Al-Talaba, Al-Zawraa |1980–81, 1993–94 |- |{{flagicon|IRQ}} Amer Jameel |style="text-align:center"|Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya, Al-Zawraa |1989–90, 1998–99 |- |{{flagicon|IRQ}} Adnan Hamad |style="text-align:center"|Al-Zawraa |1995–96, 1999–2000 |- |{{flagicon|IRQ}} Sabah Abdul-Jalil |style="text-align:center"|Al-Zawraa, Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya |2000–01, 2004–05 |}
== All-time table == The all-time Iraqi top-flight table is a cumulative record of all match results, points and goals of every club that has played in the Iraqi top division since its nationwide club era began in 1974. The table that follows is accurate as of the end of the 2024–25 season using three points for a win.
Results from the regional stage of the 1988–89 season, the qualifying rounds of the 2000–01 season, and any annulled results from other seasons are not included in the all-time table.<ref name="sabti"/>
Teams in '''bold''' are competing in the Iraq Stars League in the 2025–26 season. Numbers in '''bold''' are the highest values in each column. {| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" |- !width=35|Pos.<br /> !width=180|Club<br /> !width=45|Seasons<br /> !width=40|Titles<br /> !width=45|{{Tooltip|Pld|Played}}<br /> !width=40|{{Tooltip|W|Won}}<br /> !width=40|{{Tooltip|D|Drawn}}<br /> !width=40|{{Tooltip|L|Lost}}<br /> !width=45|{{Tooltip|GF|Goals for}}<br /> !width=45|{{Tooltip|GA|Goals against}}<br /> !width=45|{{Tooltip|GD|Goal difference}}<br /> !width=45|{{Tooltip|Pts|Points}}<br /> !width=45|{{Tooltip|PpG|Points per game}}<br /> |- style="background:#ace1af" |1||align=left|'''Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya'''||'''51'''||8||'''1,443''' || '''838''' || 368 || 237 || 2,380 || 1,092 || +1,288 || '''2,882''' || 1.997 |- style="background:#ace1af" |2||align=left|'''Al-Zawraa'''||50||'''14'''||1,414 || 801 || 393 || 220 || '''2,417''' || 1,057 || '''+1,360''' || 2,796 || 1.977 |- style="background:#ace1af" |3||align=left|'''Al-Shorta'''||50||8||1,421 || 757 || 396 || 268 || 2,226 || 1,175 || +1,051 || 2,667 || 1.877 |- style="background:#ace1af" |4||align=left|'''Al-Talaba'''||50||5||1,403 || 694 || 396 || 313 || 2,082 || 1,219 || +863 || 2,478 || 1.766 |- style="background:#ace1af" |5||align=left|'''Al-Najaf'''||38||0||1,165 || 494 || 356 || 315 || 1,475 || 1,042 || +433 || 1,838 || 1.578 |- style="background:#ace1af" |6||align=left|'''Al-Minaa'''||47||1||1,300 || 442 || '''439''' || '''419''' || 1,354 || '''1,381''' || −27 || 1,765 || 1.358 |- style="background:#ace1af" |7||align=left|'''Al-Naft'''||39||0||1,208 || 446 || 392 || 370 || 1,378 || 1,210 || +168 || 1,730 || 1.432 |- style="background:#ace1af" |8||align=left|'''Erbil'''||33||4||976 || 356 || 272 || 348 || 1,222 || 1,231 || −9 || 1,340 || 1.373 |- style="background:#ace1af" |9||align=left|'''Al-Karkh'''||29||0||920 || 321 || 300 || 299 || 1,130 || 1,011 || +119 || 1,263 || 1.373 |- style="background:#ebc9fe" |10||align=left|Al-Sinaa||38||0||1,019 || 287 || 350 || 382 || 947 || 1,141 || −194 || 1,211 || 1.188 |- style="background:#fbe08d" |11||align=left|Al-Jaish||31||1||782 || 286 || 229 || 267 || 869 || 844 || +25 || 1,087 || 1.390 |- style="background:#ace1af" |12||align=left|'''Duhok'''||21||1||594 || 270 || 180 || 144 || 789 || 557 || +232 || 990 || 1.667 |- style="background:#ace1af" |13||align=left|'''Amanat Baghdad'''||26||0||674 || 216 || 223 || 235 || 664 || 677 || −13 || 871 || 1.292 |- style="background:#fbe08d" |14||align=left|Karbala||23||0||741 || 202 || 223 || 316 || 709 || 1,004 || −295 || 829 || 1.119 |- style="background:#F2F5A9" |15||align=left|Salahaddin||23||1||661 || 179 || 231 || 251 || 615 || 780 || −165 || 768 || 1.162 |- style="background:#ebc9fe" |16||align=left|Samarra||23||0||699 || 184 || 211 || 304 || 672 || 966 || −294 || 763 || 1.092 |- style="background:#ace1af" |17||align=left|'''Al-Kahrabaa'''||20||0||574 || 178 || 199 || 197 || 622 || 622 || 0 || 733 || 1.277 |- style="background:#ace1af" |18||align=left|'''Zakho'''||20||0||535 || 173 || 187 || 175 || 547 || 540 || +7 || 706 || 1.320 |- style="background:#fbe08d" |19||align=left|Naft Al-Basra||20||0||560 || 163 || 179 || 218 || 546 || 640 || −94 || 668 || 1.193 |- style="background:#ace1af" |20||align=left|'''Al-Mosul'''||19||0||590 || 155 || 188 || 247 || 516 || 789 || −273 || 653 || 1.107 |- style="background:#fbe08d" |21||align=left|Al-Ramadi||14||0||462 || 134 || 140 || 188 || 505 || 636 || −131 || 542 || 1.173 |- style="background:#ace1af" |22||align=left|'''Naft Maysan'''||14||0||422 || 125 || 148 || 149 || 447 || 485 || −38 || 523 || 1.239 |- style="background:#ace1af" |23||align=left|'''Diyala'''||14||0||459 || 120 || 137 || 202 || 430 || 637 || −207 || 497 || 1.083 |- style="background:#F2F5A9" |24||align=left|Al-Diwaniya||14||0||507 || 109 || 155 || 243 || 419 || 722 || −303 || 482 || 0.951 |- style="background:#F2F5A9" |25||align=left|Al-Shabab||14||0||362 || 110 || 126 || 126 || 353 || 391 || −38 || 456 || 1.260 |- style="background:#fbe08d" |26||align=left|Naft Al-Wasat||10||1||320 || 110 || 123 || 87 || 337 || 306 || +31 || 453 || 1.416 |- style="background:#F2F5A9" |27||align=left|Kirkuk||19||0||543 || 97 || 148 || 298 || 418 || 922 || −504 || 439 || 0.808 |- style="background:#ebc9fe" |28||align=left|Al-Samawa||17||0||466 || 97 || 129 || 240 || 401 || 672 || −271 || 420 || 0.901 |- style="background:#87CEEB" |29||align=left|Al-Kut||10||0||373 || 100 || 96 || 177 || 371 || 535 || −164 || 396 || 1.062 |- style="background:#fbe08d" |30||align=left|Al-Nasiriya||11||0||386 || 93 || 110 || 183 || 381 || 613 || −232 || 389 || 1.008 |- style="background:#fbe08d" |31||align=left|Al-Hudood||13||0||404 || 84 || 132 || 188 || 348 || 549 || −201 || 384 || 0.950 |- style="background:#cccccc" |32||align=left|Al-Rasheed||6||3||139 || 84 || 39 || 16 || 239 || 83 || +156 || 291 || 2.094 |- style="background:#87CEEB" |33||align=left|Al-Tijara||14||0||289 || 62 || 93 || 134 || 212 || 344 || −132 || 279 || 0.965 |- style="background:#fbe08d" |34||align=left|Al-Bahri||9||0||253 || 48 || 81 || 124 || 219 || 365 || −146 || 225 || 0.889 |- style="background:#F2F5A9" |35||align=left|Al-Difaa Al-Jawi||6||0||169 || 59 || 46 || 64 || 193 || 214 || −21 || 223 || 1.320 |- style="background:#ace1af" |36||align=left|'''Al-Qasim'''||6||0||193 || 48 || 70 || 75 || 190 || 243 || −53 || 214 || 1.109 |- style="background:#ace1af" |37||align=left|'''Newroz'''||4||0||152 || 57 || 40 || 55 || 192 || 176 || +16 || 211 || 1.388 |- style="background:#fbe08d" |38||align=left|Masafi Al-Wasat||6||0||171 || 48 || 49 || 74 || 147 || 202 || −55 || 193 || 1.129 |- style="background:#fbe08d" |39||align=left|Maysan||9||0||226 || 41 || 67 || 118 || 178 || 357 || −179 || 190 || 0.841 |- style="background:#F2F5A9" |40||align=left|Al-Khutoot||3||0||157 || 40 || 56 || 61 || 119 || 167 || −48 || 176 || 1.121 |- style="background:#F2F5A9" |41||align=left|Al-Umal||3||0||165 || 35 || 56 || 74 || 141 || 229 || −88 || 161 || 0.976 |- style="background:#fbe08d" |42||align=left|Al-Kadhimiya||6||0||176 || 35 || 53 || 88 || 159 || 284 || −125 || 158 || 0.898 |- style="background:#ebc9fe" |43||align=left|Al-Sulaikh||8||0||209 || 32 || 61 || 116 || 132 || 293 || −161 || 157 || 0.751 |- style="background:#87CEEB" |44||align=left|Sulaymaniya||8||0||180 || 36 || 44 || 100 || 156 || 325 || −169 || 152 || 0.844 |- style="background:#ebc9fe" |45||align=left|Al-Sinaat Al-Kahrabaiya||4||0||122 || 32 || 41 || 49 || 116 || 138 || −22 || 137 || 1.123 |- style="background:#F2F5A9" |46||align=left|Babil||7||0||178 || 32 || 36 || 110 || 143 || 312 || −169 || 132 || 0.742 |- style="background:#cccccc" |47||align=left|Pires||5||0||87 || 26 || 30 || 31 || 90 || 91 || −1 || 108 || 1.241 |- style="background:#F2F5A9" |48||align=left|Al-Amara||2||0||96 || 20 || 27 || 49 || 74 || 138 || −64 || 87 || 0.906 |- style="background:#ebc9fe" |49||align=left|Al-Kufa||3||0||74 || 19 || 26 || 29 || 69 || 80 || −11 || 83 || 1.122 |- style="background:#fbe08d" |50||align=left|Al-Hussein||3||0||112 || 13 || 38 || 61 || 78 || 162 || −84 || 77 || 0.688 |- style="background:#cccccc" |51||align=left|Al-Baladiyat||3||0||53 || 19 || 16 || 18 || 55 || 60 || −5 || 73 || 1.377 |- style="background:#F2F5A9" |52||align=left|Sirwan||4||0||59 || 15 || 23 || 21 || 47 || 61 || −14 || 68 || 1.153 |- style="background:#fbe08d" |53||align=left|Al-Etisalat||3||0||80 || 15 || 20 || 45 || 59 || 110 || −51 || 65 || 0.813 |- style="background:#ace1af" |54||align=left|'''Al-Karma'''||1||0||38 || 15 || 11 || 12 || 43 || 35 || +8 || 56 || 1.474 |- style="background:#ebc9fe" |55||align=left|Al-Shirqat||2||0||71 || 12 || 18 || 41 || 44 || 112 || −68 || 54 || 0.761 |- style="background:#F2F5A9" |56||align=left|Al-Hasanain||2||0||60 || 12 || 15 || 33 || 39 || 85 || −46 || 51 || 0.850 |- style="background:#F2F5A9" |57||align=left|Al-Hindiya||2||0||59 || 9 || 17 || 33 || 49 || 96 || −47 || 44 || 0.746 |- style="background:#F2F5A9" |58||align=left|Al-Salam||1||0||38 || 10 || 13 || 15 || 32 || 34 || −2 || 43 || 1.132 |- style="background:#cccccc" |59||align=left|Al-Naqil||1||0||18 || 13 || 3 || 2 || 47 || 11 || +36 || 42 || '''2.333''' |- style="background:#F2F5A9" |60||align=left|Al-Ittihad||4||0||58 || 10 || 11 || 37 || 38 || 89 || −51 || 41 || 0.707 |- style="background:#cccccc" |61||align=left|Al-Muwasalat||1||0||18 || 12 || 3 || 3 || 29 || 13 || +16 || 39 || 2.167 |- style="background:#ebc9fe" |62||align=left|Al-Taji||1||0||38 || 6 || 16 || 16 || 37 || 66 || −29 || 34 || 0.895 |- style="background:#ebc9fe" |63||align=left|Al-Shatra||3||0||40 || 7 || 9 || 24 || 31 || 60 || −29 || 30 || 0.750 |- style="background:#F2F5A9" |64||align=left|Al-Hilla||3||0||48 || 6 || 12 || 30 || 27 || 79 || −52 || 30 || 0.625 |- style="background:#F2F5A9" |65||align=left|Al-Basra||3||0||49 || 4 || 13 || 32 || 31 || 88 || −57 || 25 || 0.510 |- style="background:#F2F5A9" |66||align=left|Al-Shuala||2||0||38 || 6 || 5 || 27 || 28 || 81 || −53 || 23 || 0.605 |- style="background:#fbe08d" |67||align=left|Peshmerga||1||0||26 || 5 || 7 || 14 || 19 || 31 || −12 || 22 || 0.846 |- style="background:#F2F5A9" |68||align=left|Balad||1||0||16 || 6 || 3 || 7 || 14 || 18 || −4 || 21 || 1.313 |- style="background:#ebc9fe" |69||align=left|Al-Furat||2||0||28 || 6 || 3 || 19 || 24 || 59 || −35 || 21 || 0.750 |- style="background:#F2F5A9" |70||align=left|Al-Adala||2||0||30 || 4 || 6 || 20 || 12 || 40 || −28 || 18 || 0.600 |- style="background:#F2F5A9" |71||align=left|Haifa||1||0||50 || 3 || 9 || 38 || 27 || 114 || −87 || 18 || 0.360 |- style="background:#fffddf" |72||align=left|Iraq U19||1||0||13 || 4 || 5 || 4 || 8 || 13 || −5 || 17 || 1.308 |- style="background:#F2F5A9" |73||align=left|Al-Thawra||2||0||25 || 4 || 4 || 17 || 21 || 46 || −25 || 16 || 0.640 |- style="background:#fbe08d" |74||align=left|Masafi Al-Junoob||1||0||33 || 2 || 8 || 23 || 20 || 76 || −56 || 14 || 0.424 |- style="background:#F2F5A9" |75||align=left|Ararat||1||0||12 || 2 || 5 || 5 || 6 || 18 || −12 || 11 || 0.917 |- style="background:#F2F5A9" |76||align=left|Al-Rafidain||1||0||18 || 0 || 3 || 15 || 7 || 41 || −34 || 3 || 0.167 |- style="background:#F2F5A9" |77||align=left|Al-Adhamiya||1||0||11 || 0 || 1 || 10 || 3 || 29 || −26 || 1 || 0.091 |}
League or status at 2025–26: {| class="wikitable" style="font-size:95%" |- |style="width:10px;background:#ace1af"| |2025–26 Iraq Stars League teams |- |style="width:10px;background:#fbe08d"| |2025–26 Iraqi Premier Division League teams |- |style="width:10px;background:#ebc9fe"| |2025–26 Iraqi First Division League teams |- |style="width:10px;background:#87CEEB"| |2025–26 Iraqi Second Division League teams |- |style="width:10px;background:#F2F5A9"| |2025–26 Iraqi Third Division League teams |- |style="width:10px;background:#fffddf"| |Other teams |- |style="width:10px;background:#cccccc"| |Defunct teams |}
== See also == * List of Iraqi football champions * Iraqi clubs in the AFC Club Competitions * Iraqi Women's Football League {{clear}}
== Notes and references == === Notes === {{notelist}}
=== References === {{reflist}}
== External links == *[https://ifa.iq/ Iraq Football Association] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230708071407/https://ifa.iq/ |date=8 July 2023 }}
{{Iraq Stars League}} {{Iraqi Sport leagues}} {{Football in Iraq}} {{AFC Leagues}}
Category:Iraq Stars League 1 Stars League Category:Sports leagues established in 1974 Category:1974 establishments in Iraq Iraq