Iraq Coach Faces Journalistic Backlash at Asian Cup Press Conference

Tempers flared at the Asian Cup – where an extraordinary post-game press conference descended into chaos, with journalists angrily confronting the coach of defeated Iraq.

The Iraq Football Association has condemned the abhorrent behavior of journalists who challenged coach Jesus Casas following the team’s unexpected exit from the Asian Cup last 16 round in Doha. Despite leading 2-1, Iraq conceded two stoppage-time goals, resulting in a shocking 3-2 defeat to lower-ranked Jordan.

Tempers flared among some Iraqi reporters in the post-game press conference, as they pointed fingers and yelled angrily at Casas. They approached him at the front of the room, only to be escorted out by security amidst the chaotic scenes.

The 50-year-old Spanish coach, who took charge of Iraq in November 2022, expressed his distress at the incident, stating, ‘It pains me what happened.’

Iraq’s football association released a statement expressing their great dismay at the scene, which they found more painful than the undeserved elimination of their team. The association denounced the blatant and abhorrent behavior directed towards the coach, pledging not to deal with the media personnel responsible for causing chaos.

Casas himself was angered in a pre-match press conference when questioned about interviews he had given to Spanish media during the Asian Cup. Some Iraqi journalists believe these interviews distracted Casas from his work and played a part in the team’s defeat.

Casas dismissed this notion, highlighting that his team had won all three of their group stage matches, even defeating pre-tournament favorites Japan 2-1. ‘Concerning my future, I’m calm, and our goal is to qualify for the 2026 World Cup,’ said Casas, who previously served as an assistant coach to Luis Enrique with Spain‘s national team.

The incident at the press conference has made circumstances uncertain for Casas, but he remains composed about what lies ahead. ‘Anything might happen, and I’m very calm,’ he concluded.