The Iraq team beat Thailand 1-0 on the evening of September 7, thereby winning the 2025 King's Cup. Mohanad Ali scored the only goal of the match. But this striker was also the center of controversy, when he deliberately overthrown Chanathip Songkrasin in the final round. This poor and somewhat malicious play caused the players of both teams to fight, while Chanathip had to get on a stretcher and leave the field.
After the match, Mohanad Ali did not get on the podium to receive the medal. The Iraq team also visited and apologized to Chanathip. But it is likely that Mohanad Ali will receive heavier penalties from the World Football Confederation (FIFA) and the Asian Cup (AFC).
According to Thai media, the King's Cup has been recognized by FIFA as an A-class international tournament, the results of the matches will be used as a basis for calculating ranking points. Reports on the matches will also be sent to FIFA.
If a player is found to have committed a violent act, such as attacking an opposing player or referee, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee may issue additional measures such as suspension or fine. More importantly, these penalties could apply to FIFA's official matches in the future.
For Mohanad Ali, if he is suspended from FIFA, he could miss two qualifying matches for the 2026 World Cup in October. According to the schedule, the Iraq team will meet Indonesia (October 11) and Saudi Arabia (October 14).
Mohanad Ali, born in 2000, is one of the most important strikers of the current Iraq team. According to statistics, he has scored 20 goals in 57 appearances for the national team.
