The Iraq Football Association has strongly criticized the “reprehensible conduct” of journalists who confronted coach Jesus Casas during his post-match press conference following the team’s elimination from the Asian Cup on Monday.
Iraq suffered a 3-2 defeat to lower-ranked Jordan in the last-16 stage, with two goals scored in stoppage time sealing their exit in Doha.
As Casas prepared to address journalists after the match, tensions rose among some Iraqi reporters, who angrily pointed and shouted at the Spanish coach, approaching him at the front of the room before being escorted away by security.
Casas, who took on the role of Iraq coach in November 2022, expressed his dismay over the incident, stating, “It pains me what happened.”
The Iraq FA released a statement expressing “great dismay” at the incident, describing it as more painful than the team’s undeserved exit. The association emphasized that the behavior of the reporters, who were not representative of the authentic Iraqi media, left a “black mark” and harmed Iraq’s reputation while insulting the coach.
“We denounce the blatant and abhorrent behavior that occurred against the coach,” the statement declared, pledging not to engage with media personnel seeking to cause chaos. The Iraq FA also vowed to take legal measures to restore the coach’s reputation, with full support from Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani.
Despite criticism from some Iraqi journalists who believed Casas’ interviews with Spanish media distracted him, the coach defended himself, highlighting the team’s success in winning all three group games, including a victory over pre-tournament favorites Japan.
Casas, remaining calm about his future, asserted that the team’s goal is to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, emphasizing his commitment to the Iraqi national team.
In contrast to previous national team coaches, Casas and his coaching staff reside in Iraq, expressing his affection for the people of the country in a January 15, 2024 interview. Casas, appointed in November 2022, led the team to Arabian Gulf Cup glory shortly before his first match with the national team.
The victory not only ended a 34-year trophy drought but also held significant meaning as the tournament took place in Basra, marking the first time in almost half a century that the competition was held in Iraq.
Looking ahead, Jordan, quarter-finalists in 2004 and 2011, will face Tajikistan for a place in the last four. Tajikistan, a surprise package in their Asian Cup debut, defeated the UAE on penalties on Sunday.
