The 2005–06 Iraqi Premier League kicked off on October 28, 2005. The 28 teams were split into four groups of seven. At the end of the group stage, the top three teams from each group (a total of 12 teams) advanced to the Elite Stage. In the Elite Stage, these 12 teams were split into four groups of three, with teams playing home and away against each team in their group respectively. The top team in each of the four groups moved on to the semi-finals, followed by a third place match and the final. Al-Zawraa won the league without losing a match.[1]