Emergency meeting saves Arnold after sacking rumours
Less than 24 hours ago, Graham Arnold was unsure if he would still be head coach of Iraq. Now, speculation around his future has somewhat been put to bed.
Iraq’s football association held emergency talks on Thursday about the future of Arnold after the nation was eliminated in the group stage of the Arabian Gulf Cup.
Graham Arnold had two stints in charge with the Socceroos before joining Iraq. Getty Images
Arnold was not afraid to call out his side’s “unfair” elimination from the tournament, having finished equal with Oman in group A.
With both sides having the exact same win-loss ratio, goal difference and number of yellow cards, the Gulf Cup regulations determine who would secure a spot in the next round via a drawing of lots at a hotel in Jeddah.
Arnold argued the tiebreaker should be based on world rankings, meaning Iraq (60th) would advance over Oman (80th). His suggestion was left unheard.
Iraq’s football association was not pleased the team were ever in that position.
It was reported the emergency meeting would identify Arnold was no longer the right man for the top job in Iraq and a local coach would be appointed instead.
But Iraqi football association president Younis Mahmoud hinted things were looking more promising for Arnold when he spoke to Alkass on Friday (AEST).
“I will meet Graham Arnold on Saturday, where he will present a detailed report on everything that happened during the tournament,” he told the Qatari network.
“Some have forgotten that we are rebuilding the national team. We have seven new players who will play an important role in the future. We are following a clear strategy.
“Perhaps Arnold did not have the right approach against Saudi Arabia, but these things happen in football.”
Mahmoud then made clear Arnold is still contracted with the team.
“Arnold has a contract with us and we are committed to it,” he continued.
Graham Arnold celebrates with Mohanad Ali (10) after Iraq’s World Cup play-off victory. AP
“He could stay until the Asian Cup or even until the World Cup? Why not?
“The final decision rests with the federation’s executive board.”
Mahmoud went on to say that fans “will see a new Iraqi national team” and that the vast majority of players will be younger than the last group of players.
With the average age range of those talents expected by Mahmoud to be between 20 and 25, with two senior players nearing 30, he is confident that Iraq will begin to form a sustainable system that will lead to long-term success.
“We have a comprehensive plan for after the Asian Cup and throughout the World Cup qualifiers,” Mahmoud said.
“We are working to develop Iraqi football at every level. Three days ago, I held a meeting with Bundesliga representatives to discuss our development plans.
“Results do not always reflect the work being done. Fans want immediate success, but my focus is on building a sustainable system for the long term.”
Arnold has been a vital figure for Iraq’s national team over the past 12 months, most recently leading them to their first World Cup appearance in 40 years.
He inked a contract extension in August to remain at the helm of the team for the upcoming Asian Cup, where Iraq will face Australia’s Socceroos.
The Asian Cup will take place in Saudi Arabia from January 7 to February 5, 2027.
