Former Socceroos boss Graham Arnold’s future as Iraq manager is in doubt as an “emergency meeting” is held to determine his fate.
Arnold, who oversaw Iraq’s qualification to the World Cup for the first time in 40 years, is in the gun following the nation’s elimination from the 2026 Arabian Gulf Cup in extraordinary circumstances.
Get all the latest football news, highlights and analysis delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports Sportmail. Sign up now!!!
The 63-year-old’s team finished level on points, equal on goal difference and had the exact same amount of goals scored and conceded as Group A rivals Oman.
The two sides even had an equal disciplinary record with eight yellow cards and no red cards apiece.
So, the Gulf Cup regulations determined that a drawing of lots would be the tie-breaker, ignoring Arnold’s arguments that Iraq’s superior FIFA ranking – 63rd in the world versus 80th-ranked Oman – should be the deciding factor.
World ranking is used in FIFA’s competitions in such situations, but the Gulf Cup has different rules.
“We have to refer to FIFA regulations,” Arnold told reporters prior to the drawing of lots.
“Our level is higher than Oman’s and our ranking is higher. If we want to be fair, we have to follow the rules.
“We’ll see what happens, but I believe it would be unfair for us not to qualify.”
Oman ultimately won the random draw, meaning they booked themselves a semi-final date with Group B winners the United Arab Emirates, and condemned Iraq to a second-straight group stage exit in the regional tournament.
In the aftermath, Iraq television network Alrabiaa Sports TV reported that the country’s Football Association are “seriously considering” sacking Arnold following an “emergency meeting”.
“The idea of dismissing Arnold is reportedly backed by the majority of Iraqi FA members, who view Iraq’s Gulf Cup campaign as a disaster, particularly regarding his management of the team and squad selection,” Alrabiaa Sports TV’s report stated.
Another report from the same network stated that a local coach will replace Arnold on an interim basis if the Australian is given his marching orders.
Former Iraq player and head coach Adnan Hamad – who has coached the national team three times already – has already thrown his hat into the ring.
“Every time Iraq lose, there is talk about me returning to coach the national team,” Hamad said via AD SportsTV. “Of course, it would be an honour for anyone who loves their country to take charge.
“Historically, Iraqi football’s greatest achievements have always been associated with local coaches.”
At the World Cup earlier this year, Iraq were drawn in a group of death – losing 4-1 to quarter-finalists Norway, 3-0 to semi-finalists France and 5-0 to Senegal.
Regardless of the results, Arnold was hailed as a national hero in Iraq for guiding the team to the World Cup for the first time in four decades.
If he is sacked, it will also end the possibility of a reunion with the Socceroos – who have been draw in the same group as Iraq – at next year’s Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia.