The 2003–04 Iraqi Premier League kicked off on January 8, 2004. The name of the league was changed from Iraqi First Division to Iraqi Premier League. Due to security issues and scheduling difficulties, the season was officially cancelled in June 2004 during the opening group stage. The top four teams from each group were meant to advance to the elite stage, which would be followed by semi-finals, a third place match and a final, with the champions and runners-up qualifying for the 2005 AFC Champions League and the third and fourth-placed teams qualifying for the 2004–05 Arab Champions League.