Moroccan coach Hussein Ammouta explained why he did not take charge of the Iraqi national team when negotiations took place a few months ago. He declined the offer because he was still coaching the UAE's Al Jazira team at that time.

Amouta said in a media statement: "I received an official offer from the Iraqi federation, but I declined it due to the immense pressure I was under at that time, especially since Iraq was facing two crucial matches against South Korea and Jordan."

He continued: "Al Jazira Club management agreed to my coaching the Iraqi national team, but in the end, Adnan Dirjal, the president of the federation, called and I apologized."

Amouta is considered to have a distinctive track record in his coaching career, with his most notable success at the national team level being leading Jordan to the final of the Asian Cup.