Erbil SC is entering a demanding period of the season with its sights set on both the Iraqi Stars League and the Gulf Club Champions League, as the club works to strengthen its squad and prepare Franso Hariri Stadium to host some of the region’s biggest clubs.
The club’s latest league outing ended in a 1-1 draw away to Naft Maysan on Thursday, leaving Erbil third in the Iraqi Stars League with 18 points from nine matches. The result extended their record to five wins, three draws and one defeat.
Erbil took the lead through Miullen in the first half, but Naft Maysan equalized from a penalty deep into stoppage time. Erbil also finished the match with 10 men after Henoc Inonga Baka was sent off in the final minutes.
The draw was a missed opportunity for Luay Salah’s side, which could have moved back to the top of the table with a victory. The match also marked the return of Humam Tariq, who had been out for almost three months with a hamstring injury.
Despite dropping two points, Erbil has made a strong start to the domestic campaign and remains among the leading teams in the league.
Gulf challenge awaits
The bigger challenge is now approaching.
Erbil will represent Iraq in the 2026-27 Gulf Club Champions League, where it has been placed in Group C alongside Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ettifaq, Ajman of the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait’s Kazma. The expanded tournament features 12 clubs, with the top two teams from each group and the two best third-place teams advancing to the quarterfinals.
Erbil’s campaign will begin at home against Al-Ettifaq on October 28 at Franso Hariri Stadium. The club will then travel to the UAE to face Ajman on November 24 before continuing its group-stage campaign against the other opponents.
The competition represents an important opportunity for Erbil to test itself against strong Gulf opposition while also putting the club and the city on an international stage.
Club president Safin Yassin has said Erbil intends to strengthen its squad during the winter transfer window with the ambition of competing for the title. Head coach Luay Salah has also indicated that the team needs two or three additional players to improve its chances in the Gulf competition.
Franso Hariri prepares for the spotlight
The club is also working on its stadium ahead of the continental-level challenge.
Franso Hariri Stadium is undergoing extensive renovation, with work covering the playing surface, running track, stands and service facilities. The project also includes comprehensive roofing of the stadium for the first time.
According to Yassin, the upgrades are designed to bring the stadium closer to international standards while making it more comfortable for supporters. The new roof is expected to provide protection from winter rain and the summer sun.
The renovations are particularly important because Erbil expects to welcome visiting teams, officials and supporters from across the Gulf. The club wants the stadium and the city to provide a positive image of Erbil, the Kurdistan Region and Iraq during the tournament.
Yassin has said the club is preparing the necessary facilities for visiting delegations and supporters, viewing the tournament not only as a football competition but also as an opportunity to showcase Erbil as a city capable of hosting major international sporting events.
Balancing two ambitions
For Salah and his players, the immediate task is to maintain their strong league position while preparing for a significantly different level of competition.
Erbil’s domestic form has given the team a solid foundation, but the Gulf Champions League will demand greater depth and consistency. The club’s plans to add players, combined with the return of key figures such as Humam Tariq and the renovation of Franso Hariri, reflect an effort to ensure that the team and its home venue are ready for the challenge.
With Al-Ettifaq coming to Erbil on October 28, the club’s preparations are moving toward their first major test.
Erbil now has an opportunity to turn a strong domestic start into a broader regional campaign, with ambitions that extend beyond the Iraqi Stars League and toward the Gulf title.