From the Associated Press:
BAGHDAD -- It was less than a year ago that Iraqis poured
into the streets in a rare show of unity and celebration after the
national soccer team won the prestigious Asian Cup.
Celebratory gunfire roared across Baghdad and other cities. A
beaming Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki later awarded each team
member a $10,000 bonus and held a homecoming celebration filled
with fanfare -- albeit limited to the U.S.-protected Green Zone.
But on Thursday, the Iraqi Football Association said it has
dissolved the national soccer team and dismissed the Iraqi coach
four days after the team's loss to Qatar ended the country's hopes
of qualifying for the 2010 World Cup.
"It was decided to disband the team, with all its players and
coaching staff, including (head coach) Adnan Hamad," the
association said in a statement.
Tareq Ahmed, a senior federation official, told The Associated
Press that Hamad "is no longer useful to our team."
Ahmed said a new coach -- who was not named -- would choose
players for a new national team. The statement did not single out
any players, raising the possibility that some of the current team
members could make the new roster.
"We think that the team needs new blood and that new young
players will strengthen it," Ahmed said.
Officials did not rule out keeping some of the current players.
"Anyone who has skills and is deemed appropriate by the new
coach can join the national team regardless of his identity," said
the Iraqi Olympic Committee spokesman, Jazier al-Sahlani.
He also said the decision wasn't entirely related to the level
of play.
Al-Sahlani said Hamad also was being punished for purportedly
criticizing a controversial government decision to disband the
previous Iraqi Olympic Committee because of corruption allegations.
The International Olympic Committee had responded by suspending
Iraq's national Olympic body for "political interference."
"Hamad did not stick to his technical job and he was involved
in politics," al-Sahlani said.
Hamad could not immediately be reached for comment. He was
appointed to coach the national team in February, taking over from
Norwegian Egil Olsen after another disappointing Iraqi performance
in World Cup qualifications.
The jubilation over the victorious run of the team last year
gave Iraqis a welcome respite from the daily violence. Revelers of
all ages danced in the streets after each win, despite fears of
attacks.
Iraqi fans were poised for another round street celebrations
this year. Before Sunday's match, President Jalal Talabani issued a
statement encouraging the squad to win.
Instead, many were angered by the team's unconvincing and weak
performance. The team needed only a draw to reach the final
qualification, but instead lost to Qatar 1-0.
Saad Karim, a 24-year-old physical education student, noted that
"the team and the coach were treated as heroes" in previous wins.
"When they lost against Qatar, they were crucified. I think
this decision is not fair and illogical because the IFA also should
shoulder some responsibly for the defeat," Karim said.
Mohammed Haider, a 30-year-old grocer store owner in Baghdad,
said he agreed with the decision to disband the team.
"The team needs new blood though the IFA itself, not the team
only, should bear some of the blame," Haider said.
The official reaction evoked memories of the far harsher
treatment of athletes under Saddam Hussein, whose son Odai was in
charge of Iraqi sports and punished poor performances with torture
or incarceration. In some cases, Odai was said to have forced
players who missed shots during games to kick stone balls.
Iraq has not played a game at home in years. Because of the
kidnapping and killing of athletes in various sports, the squad
trains and plays abroad, mostly in Persian Gulf nations such as the
United Arab Emirates and Qatar.
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