Central Asia

Iraq head coach sacked after World Cup qualification failure

Iraq’s Radhi Shenaishil became the third coaching casualty of Asian World Cup qualifying Group B when he was sacked late on Monday.

The 50-year-old was shown the door after a defeat to Saudi Arabia in Jeddah at the end of last month.

The loss means Iraq are fifth in Group B with four points from seven matches, nine points behind third-placed Australia and 12 behind leaders Saudi Arabia and Japan.

“We are not happy with the results and the coaching team is to be sacked and replaced by foreign staff,” read a statement on the Iraq FA Facebook page.

“The FA will work with the Iraqi government and Iraqi Olympic Committee to provide funds for a replacement.”

Previously, United Arab Emirates coach Mahdi Ali quit after a 2-0 loss to Australia in Sydney in the same matchday. The defeat effectively ended his team’s dreams of qualifying for Russia.

Meanwhile, Thailand’s Kiatisuk Senamuang also stepped down following the 4-0 thrashing by Japan that crushed the War Elephants’ hopes of reaching the finals for the first time.