LALIGA promotes Iraqi football professionalisation with economic control workshop in Madrid

LALIGA continues to advance its commitment to the professionalisation of Iraqi football by hosting an economic control workshop in Madrid for clubs from the Iraq Stars League (ISL). The initiative is part of a strategic consultancy project developed in collaboration with the Iraq Football Association (IFA), aimed at strengthening sports management and ensuring the long-term sustainability of competitions in Iraq and across its football ecosystem.

Club representatives engaged in sessions addressing crucial elements of financial management, competitive sustainability and economic control, each essential for the growth of a structured, contemporary football framework.

LALIGA president Javier Tebas presented diplomas to the participants, stressing: “For us, financial fair play is essential. I would say it is part of our competition’s DNA. Leagues that enforce these kinds of rules are more competitive and economically sustainable in the medium and long term. We will keep developing these training programmes, as we consider them vital and highly valuable.”

Carlos Ruiz-Ocaña, Head of International Special Projects at LaLiga, added: “This project with the IFA is a clear example of how LALIGA can share and adapt its expertise to different countries around the world. Our goal is to enhance the fan experience and promote the professionalisation of the sports industry globally through consulting projects covering grassroots football development, professionalisation of leagues, audiovisual broadcasting, anti-piracy measures, among other areas.”

LALIGA’s track record shows that implementing a rigorous economic control system and professional management transforms competitions. In Spain, this model reduced overdue club debts to Public Administrations from more than €650 million to just €3 million, eliminated €89 million in unpaid player salaries, and achieved a level of sustainability and solvency recognised internationally.

 

LALIGA as a global strategic partner

This project in Iraq forms part of LALIGA’s international consultancy strategy, which in recent years has developed initiatives in countries such as Saudi Arabia, China, Peru and Costa Rica. These projects take the model applied in Spain and adapt it to local needs in areas such as:

·                Professionalisation of sports structures

·                Development of academies and youth talent programmes

·                Economic control and sustainability

·                Digitalisation and audience growth

·                Improvement of infrastructure and stadium management

·                Audiovisual consultancy and anti-fraud measures

Through these efforts, LaLiga not only helps to advance football in strategic markets worldwide but also contributes to the prestige of the Marca España, sharing knowledge and innovation throughout the global football industry.