LALIGA drives the digital development of Iraqi football with a workshop held in Baghdad

LALIGA has organised a Digital Strategy and Fan Engagement Workshop in Baghdad, aimed at clubs from the Iraq Stars League (ISL), Iraq Premier League (IPL), and employees of the Iraq Football Association (IFA). The objective was to strengthen the digital development of Iraqi football as part of LALIGA’s strategic project in the country to support its professionalisation.

Held over two days, the workshop brought together participating clubs to work on the key pillars for designing and implementing an effective and sustainable digital strategy, focused on growth and building deeper connections with fans.

One of the workshop's highlights was the presentation of an innovative programme, the “Club Digital Office”, created by LALIGA to support ISL clubs in the structured and sustainable implementation of their digital strategies, enhancing their professionalisation and engagement with fans.

LALIGA President Javier Tebas stated: “The development of football requires investment in knowledge, solid structures, and the people who make it possible. Through this consultancy project in Iraq, LALIGA shares its expertise in key areas such as coach training, professional management, and digital strategy, always with an approach adapted to Iraqi football.”

For his part, Adnan Dirjal, President of Iraq Football Association (IFA), highlighted: “The project with LALIGA is already bearing fruit in the development of football in Iraq, with progress in audiovisual production, financial fair play, and grassroots football. Workshops like this one are crucial to strengthening the professionalisation of our clubs in various areas, and digital strategy is essential for bringing clubs closer to fans of all ages.”

Carlos Rodríguez Díaz, Director of the LALIGA Project in Iraq, following the end of the workshop on Monday, added: “This workshop is a key step to help Iraqi clubs build a solid digital strategy aligned with international standards. Digital transformation is now a fundamental tool for club growth and for strengthening their bond with fans.”

This workshop is part of the consultancy project LALIGA is developing in Iraq in with Iraq Football Association—a strategic alliance that is driving decisive milestones in the professionalisation of football in the country.

Among the most notable achievements of the project are the creation and monitoring of new youth national teams, with over 800 players currently being scouted, and the launch of the first grassroots football leagues, involving more than 4,000 players and 750 professionals.

In terms of management and professional development, key milestones include training immersions in Madrid with IFA and Iraq Stars League representatives, covering essential areas such as match production, audiovisual protocols, infrastructure management, digital strategy, financial control, marketing, sponsorships, stadium operations, safety, competition organisation, and talent development.

Other key figures from the project:

• 25% growth on ISL social media channels over the past 5 months
• Over 8.5 million social media followers across clubs, IFA, and ISL
• 3 million stadium attendees during the 2024–25 season
• 25% increase in matchday attendance (Rounds 1–7) in the 2025–26 season compared to 2024–25

LALIGA’s sports development model: a global benchmark

• Since 2015, LALIGA has developed more than 900 sports projects in over 60 countries.
• LALIGA has provided consulting and worked with federations, leagues, and clubs around the world (USA, South America, Europe, Africa, and Asia), achieving outstanding results and high satisfaction among all partners.
• Since 2016, LALIGA has supported the youth academies of Spanish clubs—some of the best in the world—launching in 2022 the National Plan for Optimisation and Improvement of Academies, a globally unique initiative that helps clubs enhance their academies.

·       LALIGA has a Madrid-based team within its Sports Projects department, composed of experts who all hold the highest coaching qualification (UEFA Pro). They bring experience from professional clubs, international work, and specialized training in areas such as methodology, psychology, and physical preparation.

• LALIGA has been developing its own player training methodology for over 10 years, which is applied in all its national and international projects.
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