Baghdad: The Iraqi Football Association announced the renewal of the contract of the national team coach, Australian Graham Arnold, for seven months to lead the "Lions of Mesopotamia" in the upcoming Gulf Cup and Asian Cup tournaments.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the association's second vice president, Mohammed Nasser, stated in a press release that there was an initial desire to extend Arnold's contract for a four-year term. However, Arnold initially showed a preference for a one-year contract arrangement.

Nasser elaborated that after considering the national team's upcoming commitments, primarily the Gulf Cup and the Asian Cup, negotiations concluded with an agreement to extend Arnold's tenure for a seven-month period. He noted that both parties have initially signed the contract, with administrative procedures being finalized. The official signing ceremony is set to take place in Baghdad.