April 11 – Iraq’s Radhi Shenaishil has become the third coaching casualty of Asian World Cup qualifying Group B after being sacked late on Monday.
Shenaishil was shown the door following defeat to Saudi Arabia at the end of last month which all but ended Iraq’s hopes of making it to Russia next year.
“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.”
Shenaishil’s departure follows that of United Arab Emirates coach Mahdi Ali, who quit after a 2-0 loss to Australia. Thailand’s Kiatisuk Senamuang also stepped down in the wake of the 4-0 thrashing by Japan.
Shenaishil led Iraq to the semi-finals of the 2015 Asian Cup in a previous stint in charge and had been rehired to try and get Iraq to the World Cup for the first time since 1986. But he and the team were always hamstrung by being forced to play home matches on neutral ground for security reasons.
Marcos Paqueta is reportedly the early favourite to step into the role. The Brazilian has coached for over 10 years in the Middle East, most recently at Egyptian giants Al-Zamalek.
Contact the writer of this story at moc.l1714131129labto1714131129ofdlr1714131129owedi1714131129sni@w1714131129ahsra1714131129w.wer1714131129dna1714131129
