Iraqi authorities announced on Sunday the launch of a formal investigation into the national football team's early exit from Gulf Cup 26, following a 3-1 defeat to Saudi Arabia that ended the defending champion's group-stage campaign.
Member of Parliament Uday Awad, who is also a member of the Financial Committee,
تابعونا عبر التردد التالي | نايل سات 10971-أفقي pic.twitter.com/aHzADVhLk7
Awad accused them of mismanagement and potential misuse of public funds, citing the government's significant financial support, according to Iraqi state television.
Iraqi Minister of Youth and Sports Ahmed Al-Mubarqa echoed these concerns, calling the loss a "major shock" for supporters and insisting the government had a right to ask why the team declined so sharply.
Coach Casas under pressure
Head Coach Jesús Casas defended his tactical approach at a post-match news conference, describing the Gulf Cup as a means to evaluate emerging players ahead of World Cup qualifiers. He argued that the tournament setback would not derail Iraq’s long-term preparations.
"Certainly, it was a difficult match, and we were affected by absences against a good team. We committed a mistake that led to them being awarded a penalty," Casas said. "However, there was an incident in the match—check the 18th minute of the second half—where the referee overlooked a second yellow card for the Saudi player wearing number 6."
"I hope Iraq is treated justly and fairly, because it's not the first time it has been penalised; the same thing happened to us before in the Asian Cup against Jordan, and again in the first-leg match against Kuwait in the World Cup qualifiers," Casas added.
"I believe that, regardless of the results, it will not affect our journey in the World Cup qualifiers."
Footage shared on social media also showed a between Iraqi and Saudi players after the match, while members of the Iraqi press contingent were filmed in a heated exchange with their Saudi counterparts.
Former national team captain Yunis Mahmoud faced online harassment for having laughed, in a prior interview, when asked if Saudi Arabia could progress beyond the group stage.
However, many fans and activists took a dim view of his explanation. Local media reports suggest some federation members now back the idea of replacing Casas, citing his reliance on experienced but ageing players and a rigid style of play.
Saudi Arabia's triumph
Substitute Abdullah Al-Hamdan scored twice in the second half, leading Saudi Arabia to a 3-1 win over Iraq and securing a semi-final spot at the tournament in Kuwait.
Saudi Arabia topped Group B with six points, edging Bahrain—also on six points—on goal difference, while holders Iraq finished third on three points, leaving Yemen in fourth place.
After a first half that featured few chances and was marred by heavy challenges, captain Salem Al-Dawsari put Saudi Arabia ahead with a penalty in the 56th minute.
Eight minutes later, Mohanad Ali (Mimi) equalised for Iraq, driving a low shot past goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais into the bottom-right corner. Al-Hamdan restored Saudi Arabia's lead in the 81st minute with a remarkable strike from inside the penalty area, and sealed victory five minutes later.
Soon after the defeat, Darjal met with players to apologise to Iraq's loyal fan base. He pledged to form a specialist committee to review every aspect of the team's recent campaign. Areas of focus will include squad selection, coaching decisions, and overall management of the national side.
Darjal said findings would be completed before Iraq's upcoming fixtures against Kuwait and Palestine in March, part of the team's efforts to regroup before critical World Cup qualifying matches.
Civil society groups, along with prominent commentators, have criticised what they see as poor leadership and questionable officiating during the tournament. Journalist Omar al-Janabi took to social media platform X to argue that Iraq should reconsider future participation in Gulf competitions if "violations against the country, its players, and fans" become a recurring issue.
Meanwhile, Basil Hussein, Head of the Kulwatha Centre for Studies and Measurement of Iraqi Public Opinion, said the team's struggles were partly due to the coach's reluctance to use younger players.
Iraq hosted and won the Gulf Cup in January 2023, defeating Oman 3-2 in a gripping final that lasted 124 minutes in the southern city of Basra. The biennial Arabian Gulf Cup traditionally features the six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations—Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates—along with Yemen and Iraq.
With the Gulf Cup 26 disappointment behind them, Iraqi football officials and supporters are now turning their attention to the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. Despite the setback, some within the Iraqi Football Federation remain hopeful that the team can rebound, provided structural weaknesses are promptly addressed, and a cohesive plan emerges from the ongoing inquiry.