Iraqi Football Association Denies Negotiations with Hossam Hassan
The Iraqi Football Association has denied holding any negotiations with Hossam Hassan, the former head coach of the Egyptian national team, over the possibility of taking charge of the Iraqi national team in the coming period, amid circulating reports about the potential departure of Australian coach Graham Arnold.
Mohammed Khalaf, Director of Media at the Iraqi Football Association, told Al Arabiya.net in an exclusive statement: “This information is entirely unfounded. We heard these reports from the Egyptian media, but there has been no contact whatsoever on our part with Hossam Hassan or his representatives up to this moment.”
Khalaf added: “Australian coach Graham Arnold remains under contract with the Iraqi Football Association and is preparing to lead the national team in the upcoming four-team tournament.”
The Iraqi official’s remarks came after reports circulated that the national team, known as the Lions of Mesopotamia, had entered negotiations with Hossam Hassan to take charge following his departure as head coach of Egypt’s national team.
