as a 7-year-the big boy in Baghdad, Muhammad Ali’s dream of become goalkeeper – even a car bomb in The central Tahrir Square tore its place left an arm.
The child became another victim of Sectarian bloodshed that erupted in Iraq in The years after 2003 led by the United States invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein.
“I’ve been denied of playing footballHe said, referring to the shock event of 2007 that also Its time is up with young football team of Air Force Club in Baghdad.
Today, at the age of 22, Ali is a member of Completely amputated football team made up completely of players who Loss of arms or legs in Many years in Iraq of War and turmoil.
“The creation of this is team brought me back “You helped me regain my self-confidence,” he said.
The team He has about 30 players and has qualified for FIFA World Cup for the injured to be held in turkey in late 2022.
Its founder, Muhammad Al-Najjar, was studying in England when he was discovered amputated from Portsmouth team And decided to repeat experience.
behind in Iraq posted a announcement on social networks.
Orders started pouring in in we formed team in August 2021,” refers to a 38-year-old lawyer.
‘Severe depression’
Al-Najjar’s right leg was amputated after being injured in 2016 ‘while sharing in The fight against Islamic State (ISIS) group. “
At that time a carpenter, like many of of His teammates were fighting with The pro-Iranian Popular Mobilization Forces are a paramilitary group force which has since been incorporated into Iraq regular forces.
three times A week, meet now up with The group training on one of fields of trade mark new People’s Assembly in Baghdad.
Using crutches, one leg players warm up by jogging in green shirt of The national teamand then practice penalty kicks.
The goalkeeperfor him left Amputation of the arm, object ball by blocking it with his stomach.
Before found camaraderie of The team carpenter said: “More of The players They were suffering from severe depression.”
Some even thought of Suicide because they lost a limb and were professionals players Before.
“But we have overcome this mentality problems’, adding that he is happy to now see his picture players They post their pictures with The team on social networks”.
In the official competition and matches I played in teams of Seven on Fields of 60 by 40 meters (about 200 by 130 feet).
Targets are 2m high and 5m wide – smaller than the 2.4 x 7.3m targets used in traditional football.
“Dad, go on the train”
The progress of the Iraqi state financial Victim Assistance of attacks and of battles against terrorists. The players Receive monthly allowances of Between $400 and $700.
Most of them earn their expenses by working as day laborers in Carpenter said.
But it is a major obstacle for The team is deficiency of official Recognition, and therefore financing, of the Iraqi sports Corpses.
The Poland-based International Amputee Football Association is not a part of International Paralympic Committee.
Iraqi team So he does not receive any support from the state, Aqil Hamid said head of Parliamentary Committee on inability sports.
for equipment and transportation team Depends on on Carpenter said donations from associations. there also accidental help of some grated corpses.
“They helped us with Trip to Iran paid for plane tickets” for “On a larger scale support”.
else team Member Ali Kazem lost it left to Baghdad car bomb in 2006, which ended abruptly football career path career path with Air Force Club.
“I could not pursue my ambitions, I stayed at home,” he said 38-year-Old.
Today, he has four children They are his biggest supporters.
“Hmm who my package sports He told me, “Dad, go by train.” I’m totally in good spirits changed. “
