REVEALED: How Moroccan tactician Hussein Ammouta came close to coaching Iraq

Moroccan coach Hussein Ammouta was on the verge of taking charge of the Iraqi national team before a last-minute change saw the deal collapse.

Iraq had identified Ammouta as their preferred candidate in May 2025 following the departure of Jesús Casas, but negotiations ultimately fell through, paving the way for Graham Arnold to step in and lead the Lions of Mesopotamia to qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Speaking on the “Hat-Trick” programme, Adnan Darjal confirmed that Ammouta had been close to securing the role before pulling out.

“There was an initial agreement with Ammouta to coach the Iraqi national team, after Casas’ departure, but things changed at the last minute.”

He continued, “Hussein Ammouta suddenly apologised for the task of training Iraq, and spoke to me very frankly.”

Darjal also reflected on his personal connection with the Moroccan tactician.

“I coached Ammouta when he was a player in Al Sadd, and I am very proud of his high morals,” he said.

Ammouta, who previously managed Jordan, was widely seen as a strong candidate for the role, but his unexpected withdrawal opened the door for a new chapter under Arnold.