The Wellington Phoenix have released Mo Al-Taay from the remainder of his contract to allow him to return home to his family in Sydney.
The Iraq international made 38 appearances for the Phoenix in all competitions after joining the club in July 2023.
Al-Taay, 24, played an influential role in the Nix’s record-breaking 2023-24 Isuzu UTE A-League season, featuring in all but two of the team’s matches and starting 17 of them.
The midfielder was rewarded with a maiden call-up to the Iraq national team in May last year and has been capped three times in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.
Phoenix director of football Shaun Gill has thanked Al-Taay for his contribution to the club over the past one and a half years.
“Mo was a key member of the men’s midfield last season and came agonisingly close to helping the Nix secure its first major trophy,” Gill said.
“We’re sad to see him go, but family comes first.
“We wish Mo all the very best for his footballing future and hope he’s part of just the second Iraq team to play at a FIFA World Cup.”
Mo Al-Taay looks back on the past one and a half years in Wellington with fondness.
“I am grateful for my time at the Nix and the season we had last year,” Al-Taay said.
“I would like to thank the fans for their support throughout my time at the club.
“I wish everyone at the club all the best for the future.”
