April 15 – Iraq have announced the sacking of manager Jesus Casas with just two games remaining in Asian qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
In a statement, the Iraq Football Association cited a “serious breach of contractual obligations” by the Spanish coach and his assistants, “including their unauthorised departure from Iraq.”
The federation invoked the dismissal based on Article 14 of the FIFA Regulations on the Status and Transfers of Players, which allows for contract termination “without consequences . . . where there is just cause.”
Domestic media reports suggest that the Iraq federation decided to dismiss Casas, who was appointed in November 2022, in March following two disappointing World Cup qualification results against the bottom two teams in the six-team Group B.
Iraq drew 2-2 at home to Kuwait and suffered a dramatic last-minute loss to the Palestinian team, dropping out of the two automatic qualification places in the group.
Iraq must win both of its upcoming matches against South Korea and Jordan, the current top two, to secure a spot in its first World Cup since 1986. If Iraq finishes in third or fourth place, the country will enter a playoff round.
Contact the write of this story, Samindra Kunti, at moc.l1744759885labto1744759885ofdlr1744759885owedi1744759885sni@i1744759885tnuk.1744759885ardni1744759885mas1744759885
