Iraq announces Graham Arnold remains head coach of the national team

The Iraqi Football Association's executive office held a regular and extensive meeting today, chaired by President Younis Mahmoud, with the attendance of First Vice President Sarmad Abdul Ilah and Second Vice President Mohammed Nasser, alongside members of the executive office. The meeting was held to discuss the roadmap for the upcoming phase and the preparations of the national teams for continental and international tournaments.

The meeting saw discussions on several important files concerning the journey of Iraqi football, foremost among them the upcoming commitments for the national team, and resulted in decisive decisions to enhance the technical stability of the Lions of Mesopotamia.

After the meeting, the Executive Office member and spokesperson for the federation, Ahmed Al-Mousawi, held a press conference attended by several media representatives and sports journalists to highlight the key outcomes of the discussion table.

Ahmad Al-Mousawi confirmed: "The executive office has made an official decision to fully retain Australian coach Graham Arnold to lead the national team's technical staff with the consensus of those present, and the federation has decided to grant the coach all absolute powers, both technical and administrative, to ensure optimal preparation for the upcoming AFC Asian Cup."

Al-Moussawi added during the conference: "The federation will spare no effort in providing all means of success and logistical and financial support for the team and the coaching staff; with the aim of overcoming all obstacles and creating the ideal conditions that enable the Lions of Mesopotamia to present performances worthy of the name and status of Iraqi football, and to achieve the aspirations of the loyal sports fans."

The spokesperson explained to reporters the nature of the upcoming logistical programs for the national team, stating: "The anticipated preparatory program for the national team is proceeding according to a well-thought-out plan that meets the requirements of the continental competition, and the federation is committed to securing high-level training camps and friendly matches based on the vision and proposals of Australian coach Graham Arnold."