Iraq Football Association dismisses Hossam Hassan links

The Iraq Football Association has denied reports linking former Egypt manager Hossam Hassan with the vacant national team job.

Ahmed Ouda Al-Mousawi, the association’s official spokesman, said Iraq remained committed to Graham Arnold, whose contract runs until January 2027.

“We respect our contracts and are tied to an agreement with the Australian coach Graham Arnold, which ends in January 2027,” Ouda said in comments to MBC. “Let us wait a month, then we can talk openly.”

Ouda also praised Hassan, who left his role as Egypt manager a few days ago before being replaced by Ali Maher.

“Hossam Hassan is one of the major names in Egyptian and Arab football and deserves everyone’s appreciation, especially after what he achieved with the Egyptian national team at the World Cup as a coach, continuing the character he showed as a player,” he said.

The Iraqi official added that the association would welcome more Egyptian coaches working in the Iraqi league.

“We want Egyptian coaches to be present in the Iraqi league,” he said.

Ouda cited Momen Soliman’s record with Al-Shorta as an example of the success Egyptian managers have enjoyed in Iraq.

“Momen Soliman achieved great success and won four titles with Al-Shorta,” he said. “There is more than one Egyptian coach who has succeeded with Iraqi clubs, and we respect all Egyptian coaches.”

Arnold guided Iraq to qualification for the 2026 World Cup, securing their first appearance at the tournament in 40 years.