Baghdad: The President of the Iraqi Football Association, Younis Mahmoud, recently convened with national team coach Graham Arnold to deliberate on the preparations for the national team’s participation in the 27th Arabian Gulf Cup, scheduled to take place in Saudi Arabia next month.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the meeting, which took place at the headquarters of the Iraqi Stars League, included the presence of Mahmoud’s deputies, Sarmad Abdul-Ilah and Mohammed Nasser, as well as executive committee members Ghalib Al-Zamili, Ahmed Al-Moussawi, Mahmoud Ahmed Murad, and Imad Yassin. The primary focus was on outlining the preparatory strategies for the Gulf Cup.

Further discussions were held regarding administrative matters, particularly concerning the contracts of Arnold’s assistant coaching staff. Additionally, plans were made for Arnold’s formal introduction to the media at an upcoming press conference, slated for early next week.

Arnold provided a brief on the necessity for thorough preparation for the Gulf Cup, with a view towards the subsequent Asian Cup early next year. He emphasized the importance of monitoring upcoming rounds of the Iraqi Stars League to evaluate potential players for the national team selection.