Al-Ettifaq refuses to travel to Iraq for match against Erbil

Al-Ettifaq club management has decided not to travel to Erbil, Iraq, for their scheduled match against Erbil SC in the AFC Champions League Gulf Cup. This decision comes despite the Gulf Football Association (GFA) rejecting the club's formal request to postpone the fixture.

According to club statements and sources within the GFA competitions committee, Al-Ettifaq maintains its stance on not traveling to the city. The refusal to participate is expected to result in a 0-3 forfeit loss and a financial penalty. Under GFA disciplinary regulations, failure to participate in an official event carries a minimum fine of 20,000 Qatari Riyals, with additional sanctions possible at the discretion of the disciplinary committee.

The final decision regarding the club's actions and subsequent penalties rests with the GFA General Secretariat. Al-Ettifaq, which currently leads its group with three points, had previously secured a 2-0 victory over Kuwait's Kazma.