Accessibility links

Breaking News

Iraqi Football Association Denies It Wants Maradona As National Team Coach


Diego Maradona
Diego Maradona
The Iraqi Football Association is denying reports that it is negotiating with former Argentina football star Diego Maradona to take over as coach of the national team.

IFA Vice President Abdel Khaleq Massoud told RFE/RL's Radio Free Iraq on December 21 that Maradona was never being considered for the position.

Massoud's denial comes a day after Argentinean agent Hernan Tofoni told a number of media outlets that he has been in talks with Iraqi football officials about Maradona's potential hire.

Maradona was fired in July as the head coach of the Al Wasl football club based in Dubai.

Maradona is widely considered one of the best football players of all time.

But in his personal life, he has struggled with drug and alcohol abuse and health issues.

With reporting by AP

RFE/RL has been declared an "undesirable organization" by the Russian government.

If you are in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine and hold a Russian passport or are a stateless person residing permanently in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine, please note that you could face fines or imprisonment for sharing, liking, commenting on, or saving our content, or for contacting us.

To find out more, click here.

XS
SM
MD
LG