Iraq coach Graham Arnold calls for FIFA rules to decide Gulf Cup semi-final place

Graham Arnold has called for FIFA regulations to be used to determine whether Iraq or Oman reaches the semi-finals of Gulf Cup 27, after the two teams finished level on every available group-stage measure.

Saudi Arabia secured top spot in Group A with a 2-0 victory over Iraq at Alinma Stadium in Jeddah on Tuesday. The result gave the hosts nine points from three matches and confirmed their place in the last four.

At the same time, Oman produced a late comeback against Kuwait, overturning a one-goal deficit to win 3-1. The result left Oman and Iraq tied on four points, with neither side holding an advantage under the competition’s existing criteria.

The Gulf Cup Football Federation is expected to hold a draw shortly at a hotel in Jeddah to decide which team will accompany Saudi Arabia into the semi-finals, according to Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat.

Arnold, Iraq’s Australian head coach, objected to that prospect during his post-match news conference after the defeat by Saudi Arabia.

“We have to refer to FIFA regulations,” he said, in comments reported by Asharq Al-Awsat.

He added: “Our level is higher than Oman’s, and our ranking is higher than theirs. If we want to be fair, we must follow the rules. We will see what happens, but I do not think it would be fair if we failed to qualify.”

Iraq and Oman drew 1-1 in their opening match of the tournament. Both teams finished with four goals scored and five conceded, while each collected eight yellow cards. Neither team received a red card.

That leaves the teams identical across their points total, head-to-head result, goals scored, goals conceded, yellow cards and red cards, with no factor separating them.

The FIFA monthly world rankings also favour Iraq. Iraq are ranked 63rd in the world and eighth in Asia, while Oman sit 80th globally and 11th on the continent.

Saudi Arabia’s victory means they finish the group stage with a perfect nine points, while the outcome of the proposed draw will determine the second semi-finalist from Group A.