Iraq FA warns of fake Graham Arnold social media accounts, vows legal action

BAGHDAD — The Iraq Football Association said Saturday that national team coach Graham Arnold has no official social media accounts and warned that legal action will be taken against pages impersonating him online.

“Graham Arnold has no accounts on any social media platforms or applications. Any accounts claiming to represent him are fake and inaccurate,” the association said in a statement.

The warning comes as hundreds of social media accounts using Arnold’s name have appeared online in recent weeks, some spreading false information including fabricated quotes and unofficial squad lists.

Several pages have shared misleading posts in Arnold’s name, including one that read, “I found in Iraq the true passion for football… and we have a historic opportunity to qualify for the World Cup.” One impersonating account was listed under “Musician/Band” and “Health and Beauty Store”.

The federation said it plans to pursue legal procedures against those operating fake accounts in order to “reveal the facts to the sports community” and hold accountable those who “spread rumors, fabricate information, and mislead fans.”

Arnold was appointed head coach of Iraq’s national football team in May, succeeding Jesús Casas, who was dismissed after Iraq’s 2–1 loss to Palestine in March during qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Iraq currently sits third in Group B of AFC qualifying, four points behind South Korea and one point behind Jordan, with two matches remaining. Arnold’s debut is set for June 5 against South Korea in Basra, followed by a match against Jordan in Amman on June 10.