Diyar Mohammed Sadiq, a Kurdish sports scholar from Sulaimani, has been elected president of the Iraqi Basketball Federation (IBF) and is pledging wide-ranging reforms to revive the sport across Iraq.
His election comes shortly after the Iraqi Sports Arbitration and Arbitration Center—established by the Olympic Committee and the Iraqi Federal Court to resolve sports disputes and recognized internationally—dissolved the previous leadership of the Iraqi Basketball Union on July 8.
The new IBF board was elected in Baghdad on Thursday, marking a significant leadership transition. The board includes 69 general members and 10 additional union members, among them Ali Mohammed, another Kurdish representative from Zakho.
Sadiq, who holds a doctorate in sports science and serves as dean of the College of Sports Education, said his leadership will focus on rebuilding domestic basketball from the ground up.
“We will work to revive domestic leagues and tournaments, with a focus on age and youth activities, in order to build a solid foundation and create high-level players for the future of clubs and the Iraqi national team,” he told the press.
He emphasized that transparency, fairness, and equal opportunity will guide the federation’s work under the new administration.
Infrastructure development is also a priority. Sadiq pointed to the need to upgrade facilities such as Shaab Stadium in Baghdad, noting that it requires significant improvements to meet international standards. He said the federation will coordinate with government institutions to address these issues.
He also highlighted the importance of expanding women’s basketball programs. According to Sadiq, the federation will engage with cities that have girls’ teams and schools to strengthen participation and support development in this area.
The Iraqi Basketball Federation is expected to hold an upcoming meeting in Baghdad to present its roadmap for the future of the sport under the new leadership.
