<\/p>\n
Former Socceroos boss Graham Arnold\u2019s future as Iraq manager is in doubt as an \u201cemergency meeting\u201d is held to determine his fate.<\/p>\n
Arnold, who oversaw Iraq\u2019s qualification to the World Cup for the first time in 40 years, is in the gun following the nation\u2019s elimination from the 2026 Arabian Gulf Cup in extraordinary circumstances.<\/p>\n
\ufeffGet all the latest football news, highlights and analysis delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports Sportmail. Sign up now!!!<\/a><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n The 63-year-old\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n The two sides even had an equal disciplinary record with eight yellow cards and no red cards apiece.<\/p>\n So, the Gulf Cup regulations determined that a drawing of lots would be the tie-breaker, ignoring Arnold\u2019s arguments that Iraq\u2019s superior FIFA ranking – 63rd in the world versus 80th-ranked Oman – should be the deciding factor.<\/p>\n World ranking is used in FIFA\u2019s competitions in such situations, but the Gulf Cup has different rules.<\/p>\n \u201cWe have to refer to FIFA regulations,\u201d Arnold told reporters prior to the drawing of lots.<\/p>\n \u201cOur level is higher than Oman\u2019s and our ranking is higher. If we want to be fair, we have to follow the rules.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ll see what happens, but I believe it would be unfair for us not to qualify.\u201d<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n In the aftermath, Iraq television network Alrabiaa Sports TV reported that the country\u2019s Football Association are \u201cseriously considering\u201d sacking Arnold following an \u201cemergency meeting\u201d.<\/p>\n \u201cThe idea of dismissing Arnold is reportedly backed by the majority of Iraqi FA members, who view Iraq\u2019s Gulf Cup campaign as a disaster, particularly regarding his management of the team and squad selection,\u201d Alrabiaa Sports TV\u2019s report stated.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u201cEvery time Iraq lose, there is talk about me returning to coach the national team,\u201d Hamad said via AD SportsTV. \u201cOf course, it would be an honour for anyone who loves their country to take charge.<\/p>\n \u201cHistorically, Iraqi football\u2019s greatest achievements have always been associated with local coaches.\u201d<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n