Former Socceroos boss Arnold renews contract as Iraq head coach for six months

[p]After weeks ‌of speculation, the IFA made ‌the announcement at a press ‌conference attended by the 63-year-old, confirming he would remain ‌in charge through the Gulf ⁠Cup ‌in Saudi Arabia in September, as ​well as the Asian Cup early next ​year.[/p][p][b]"I have renewed my contract for six months, and ⁠this decision ​is in my best interest and in the best interest of the [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/iraq/K8aAGt6r/"]Iraq[/a] national ‌team, although the association offered me a four-year extension," [/b]Arnold was quoted as saying by the Iraqi News Agency.[/p][image alt="Iraq's upcoming matches" id="02878969-5b30-44ae-919b-d04ab6089251" credit-line="Flashscore" guid="09159481-fe90-4f04-bef4-4c698b6327bf" original-width="1200" original-height="1200" /][p]Arnold guided Iraq to this year's World Cup in the United States, Canada ‌and Mexico, ending a 40-year ​absence from the tournament. ‌However, Iraq exited at the group stage after losing all of their Group I matches against Norway, France ⁠and ⁠Senegal.[/p]