Baghdad – INA
President of the Iraqi Football Association, Younis Mahmoud, has confirmed that reports circulating about the departure of national team head coach Graham Arnold are entirely false, denying any intention to appoint a replacement, whether foreign or local.
Mahmoud told the Iraqi News Agency (INA) that the Iraqi Football Association is highly receptive to renewing Arnold’s contract and retaining him as head coach for upcoming competitions, most notably the 2027 AFC Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cup.
He added that negotiations with Arnold and his coaching staff have made significant progress, noting that an agreement is close to being finalized, with only the official signing remaining after the national team’s participation in the World Cup concludes.
Mahmoud explained that the proposed agreement covers the financial terms for the coach and his assistants, as well as administrative arrangements with the Iraqi Football Association. He also expressed surprise at the rumors surrounding Arnold’s departure, stressing that the Australian coach remains in his position and continues to enjoy the full confidence of the federation.