Iraq head coach Adnan Hamad has resigned due to weak performance in the 17th Gulf Soccer Championship, al-Sharq al-Awsat (the Middle East) news paper said on Wednesday (Dec 29th).

"I can't go on with the Iraqi team under the current circumstances," Hamad, who won the best coach award in Asia this year, said in a statement.

"As I leave the team, I thank the hero players and all who worked with me in the hard times," Hamad said.

Hamad apologized to Iraqis for failing in bringing better results in the 17th tournament that ended in Qatar last Friday.

Hamad and his team were harshly criticized after they departed the tournament in the first round.

On Wednesday, Iraq Football Federation chief Hussein Saed announced that they had selected two veteran coaches, Anower Jassam and Akram Salman, to replace Hamad.
 
Editor: Wing