Iraq Football Federation confirms plan to renew coach Graham Arnold's contract

BAGHDAD, Iraq — The Iraqi Football Federation will renew the contract of Australian head coach Graham Arnold, federation spokesman Ahmed al-Musavi said. Speaking at a news conference held at the La Liga headquarters in Madrid, al-Musavi said the federation was determined to keep Arnold and would form a special committee to handle the contract extension. According to al-Musavi, a meeting scheduled for the following afternoon will make final decisions on the technical staff and the national team's preparation program. The talks also covered the participation of Iraq's U-16, youth and Olympic national teams. The spokesman said the federation has set a separate strategy for upcoming external programs and reiterated that there is a clear intent to renew Arnold's contract. He added that the work of some of the federation's commissions has been welcomed, while the future of others will be assessed.