The case involves Adnan Darjal, a former professional footballer and official of the Iraq Football Association (IFA), who challenged a three-year ban imposed by the IFA Disciplinary Committee for alleged irregularities in documents submitted during his candidacy for the IFA Executive Committee elections in 2018. The ban was upheld by the IFA Appeal Committee, leading Darjal to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). The CAS, under Sole Arbitrator Prof. Philippe Sands QC, conducted a de novo review and found the Appeal Committee's decision procedurally flawed, as it was issued by the Chairman alone without other members' participation, misleadingly presented as a collective decision. This rendered the decision null and void. The CAS also noted the absence of a specified time limit for appeals in IFA regulations, interpreting this as an implicit acceptance of the default 21-day limit under CAS rules.
The case centered on allegations that Darjal falsified documents to meet eligibility requirements, including a letter from Al-Wakrah Club. The IFA Disciplinary Committee accused Darjal of providing false information about his administrative experience and imposed two separate bans: Decision 29A (five years) and Decision 32 (three years). The Appeal Committee upheld these decisions, but the CAS found no substantial evidence supporting the allegations. Witness testimonies, including from former IFA officials, revealed procedural irregularities and political motivations behind the bans, with some committee members unaware of the decisions bearing their names. The CAS highlighted the lack of due process, noting the decisions were improperly issued and unsupported by evidence.
The CAS ruled that the Appeal Committee's decision was invalid due to procedural violations and lack of quorum, and it declared Decisions 29A and 32 void ab initio. The sanctions against Darjal were lifted, allowing him to resume football-related activities. The case underscored the importance of procedural fairness and evidentiary standards in sports governance, exposing systemic issues within the IFA's disciplinary processes. The ruling emphasized that serious accusations like forgery require robust proof, and in their absence, disciplinary actions cannot stand. The decision also addressed broader governance concerns, including political interference and lack of transparency in the IFA's operations. The CAS concluded the matter by dismissing all further claims, ensuring Darjal's reinstatement without restrictions.