Iraq Coach Calls for FIFA Rules to Be Applied: Oman Advancing Would Not Be Fair!

Al-Taj News – Australian Graham Arnold, head coach of the Iraqi national team, called for FIFA regulations to be applied to determine the second team to qualify for the semifinals of the 27th Arabian Gulf Cup, alongside Saudi Arabia.

The Saudi national team defeated Iraq 2-0 in the match between the two teams on Tuesday at Alinma Stadium in Jeddah in the third and final round of the group stage of the Gulf tournament, qualifying at the top of Group A with 9 points.

At the same time, Oman secured an exciting victory after coming from behind against Kuwait, who had taken the lead, to win 3-1 in the final minutes of the match.

The Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat reported that the Arabian Gulf Cup Football Federation would hold a draw shortly at a hotel in Jeddah to determine the team qualifying between Iraq and Oman, after the two teams were level in every respect, with no factor giving either side an advantage over the other.

Arnold expressed his objection to this, in remarks at the press conference following the Saudi Arabia match, as reported by the same newspaper. He said: “We have to refer to FIFA regulations.”

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