Iraqi team disbanded

Asian champions Iraq lost to Qatar in the last round of the 2010 FIFA World Cup third round qualifiers and failed to advance to the next stage.

“It is really sad that Iraq lost in the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifiers,” said a statement from the IFA. “Iraqis are not happy with the results.”

“The Iraqi FA has decided to disband the team as of now and also not continue with the services of Adnan Hamad as coach. The team will not participate in the West Asian Football Federation Championship.”

“We will concentrate on rebuilding the team and the Gulf Cup in 2009 as well as the FIFA Confederations Cup.”

The statement continued: “We are thankful to Adnan Hamad for his efforts and tremendous achievements.”

Hamad, AFC Coach of the Year in 2004, took over from Norwegian Egil Olsen at a difficult time and managed to haul the team back from the brink. The Asian champions were a point away from a berth in the last 10 but a solitary goal defeat to Qatar in the last round dashed their dreams.