What is the truth behind the Iraqi Football Association's negotiations with Hossam Hassan?

In the midst of rapid discussions and speculations that have swept the media and social media platforms recently regarding the future of the coaching staff of our national team, the Iraqi Football Association has broken its silence to settle the ongoing debate about reports of official negotiations with the former Egypt national team coach, Hossam Hassan, to take over the leadership of the Lions of Mesopotamia, succeeding Australian Graham Arnold.

In official statements, the Director of Media at the Iraqi Football Association, Mohamed Khalaf, has put an end to the speculation by confirming that all that is being circulated regarding negotiations with Hossam Hassan is merely news reported by media outlets.

Khalaf made it clear:

"There are no negotiations or official matters at this moment; the talk about Hossam Hassan is only circulating in the media and is not based on any movements or official actions on the ground."

Regarding the current state of the coaching staff led by Australian coach Graham Arnold, the media director of the federation revealed that the coach is still bound by an official contract with the federation that extends until February 2027, after his contract was extended last August for six months, in honor of his historic success in leading the Lions of Mesopotamia to qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026 for the first time in 40 years.

Mohamed Khalaf indicated that the comprehensive official vision regarding the future of the coaching staff will be finalized after the upcoming Basra Quadrangular Championship, where the federation will hold an evaluative meeting to discuss the next phase, adding:

"Arnold will continue with the national team in this tournament, and after the curtain falls on it, the federation will hold a meeting to discuss the technical vision for the next phase, with all possibilities subject to official evaluation."

This storm of news and reports surrounding Hossam Hassan comes in conjunction with the recent decision by the Egyptian Football Association to terminate his contract along with his coaching staff and to thank them, appointing coach Ali Maher to lead the Pharaohs in the upcoming phase.

In contrast, the Iraqi national team continues its intensive preparations with its eyes set on the upcoming Basra International Four-Nation Championship, which will be hosted at Al-Fayha FC's stadium on the grounds of Basra International Stadium from November 13 to 17, with the participation of teams from Iran, Palestine, and Lebanon. This tournament will serve as a crucial test and a farewell or evaluative rehearsal for coach Arnold with the Lions of Mesopotamia.