Erbil SC

Foundation

Erbil SC was founded in 1968 and spent many years in mid-table obscurity, occasionally challenging the top Iraqi sides.

(2004–) and onwards

After the turn of the century and the beginning of the Iraq War, Erbil FC has dramatically improved and have become a real powerhouse in Iraqi club football. Top Iraqi international players have begun coming north to ply their trade with nice wages.

Nadhim Shaker and glory years

In the summer of 2005, Shaker left rivals Duhok SC to coach Erbil. In the 2005–06 season, Erbil started slow, only just managing to finish third in Group A just ahead of Sirwan FC on goal difference to advance to the second round. Erbil topped their group in the second round to advance to the end of season play-offs where they met southern giants Najaf FC in a two-legged home and away tie. Erbil were beaten by Najaf by a 4–1 scoreline which basically dented all hope of reaching the play-off final for the title. In the home leg, Erbil were winning 1–0 when the match got suspended with a replay taking place five days later with the match resulting in a 1–1 scoreline. This meant Erbil were knocked out of a chance of winning the championship but would instead take part in the third-place play-off match. This match didn't take place as in the other semi-final match between the two Baghdad giants, Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya and Al-Zawra'a. The second match of the leg was cancelled as the Al-Quwa players walked off the pitch, resulting in their disqualification and Erbil getting the automatic third-place finish. All in all, it was a strong first season under Shaker and that summer the team improved personnel ready for the next season.

Franso Hariri Stadium

Franso Hariri Stadium is the stadium where Erbil Sport Club play their home games. It is a multi-use stadium in Erbil. The stadium holds 40,000, making it the second largest in Iraq after the Al Shaab Stadium in Baghdad. It was built in 1992.

After the assassination of Franso Heriri on 18 February 2001, who actively supported rebuilding the stadium, the Kurdistan Regional Government renamed it in his memory.

In July 2009, Franso Hariri Stadium became Iraq national football team's home venue after the green-light from AFC to host the Iraqi national and clubs teams in Erbil. However, due to technical problems, FIFA abandoned the idea of having more national games being hosted in the stadium.

Rivalries

Erbil SC's main rival is Duhok SC with whom they contest the Iraqi Kurdistan derby, sometimes called the North Iraq derby.

Honours

Iraqi Premier League:

Champions (4): 2006–07, 2007–08, 2008–09, 2011–12 Runner-up (3): 2010–11, 2012–13, 2013–14 3rd (1): 2005–06

Arab Champions League:

2007–08: 1st Round

Erbil finished runners-up in the 2007 King's Cup but represented Iraq B rather than Erbil SC.

Performance in AFC competitions

AFC Champions League: 1 appearance

AFC Cup: 5 appearances

Individual Honours

2009 FIFA Confederations Cup

The following players have played in the FIFA Confederations Cup whilst playing for Erbil:

2009 – Luay Salah

Players

First-team squad

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

Recent history

From 2004–05 season, the competition changed from League system to various rounds including table and knockout rounds.

From 2011–12 season, the competition went back to the single league system.

From 2014–15 season, the competition returned to a system with various rounds.

Managerial history

Nationality is indicated by the corresponding FIFA country code(s).