2012–13 Iraqi Elite League
The 2012–13 Iraqi Elite League was the 39th season of the competition since its establishment in 1974. The season began on 19 October 2012 and finished on 4 September 2013. Al-Shorta were crowned champions for the third time, finishing on 72 points, two points ahead of nearest competitors Erbil.
| Season | 2012–13 |
|---|---|
| Dates | 19 October 2012 – 4 September 2013 |
| Champions | Al-Shorta (3rd title) |
| Relegated | Al-Kahrabaa Sulaymaniya Al-Sinaa Kirkuk |
| AFC Champions League | Al-Shorta |
| AFC Cup | Erbil |
| Matches played | 305 |
| Goals scored | 776 (2.54 per match) |
| Top goalscorer | Amjad Radhi (25 goals) |
| Biggest home win | Al-Zawraa 7–0 Kirkuk (29 April 2013) Erbil 8–1 Al-Minaa (27 June 2013) |
| Biggest away win | Al-Sinaa 0–6 Al-Minaa (12 April 2013) |
| Highest scoring | Erbil 8–1 Al-Minaa (27 June 2013) |
| Longest winning run | 6 games Zakho Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya |
| Longest unbeaten run | 20 games Al-Shorta |
| Longest winless run | 14 games Kirkuk |
| Longest losing run | 12 games Kirkuk |
← 2011–12 2013–14 (Iraqi Premier League) → | |
Having only managed a seventh place finish in the previous season, Al-Shorta's results improved significantly under the presidency of Ayad Bunyan and they were able to outperform favourites Erbil, Duhok, Al-Zawraa and Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya.
On the final day of the season, three teams were all still in the race for the title. Al-Shorta needed a win against Al-Talaba to secure the league, whilst Erbil had to defeat Al-Najaf and hope that Al-Shorta failed to win their game if they wanted to retain their title. Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya needed both Al-Shorta and Erbil to slip up and needed to defeat Masafi Al-Wasat by a large goal margin in order for them to go home with the trophy.
All three teams ended up winning their respective matches, making Al-Shorta the champions. It was the club's first league title since the 1997–98 season.