Former Manchester City, Lazio and England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson has agreed in principle to take over as head coach of Iraq.
The 70-year-old met up with Iraq FA officials in Istanbul last week, according to Sky Sports, and is keen to take over the side that failed to make this summer’s World Cup. The Swede’s representative, Saif Rubie, said Eriksson has several options
and will make his final decision next week.
Eriksson has managed around the world. His last job saw him coach Shenzhen, after two other jobs based in China with Guangzhou and Shanghai. Before that he was one of the most sought-after coaches in the game. His five-year stint as England boss saw him take the Three Lions to the last-eight of two World Cups and the European Championships. But with the “Golden Generation” of Wayne Rooney, John Terry, David Beckham and Co. at his disposal, many think he should have achieved more — a 5-1 win over Germany the highlight of a reign that promised much but ultimately did not deliver.
His other experiences of international management have seen him coach Mexico and Ivory Coast, both short unsuccessful stints lasting little more than a year at each.
It was in club management during the 1980s and 1990s that Eriksson made his name, taking unfancied Swedish outfit Gothenburg to the UEFA Cup title in 1982. That led him to Portuguese giants Benfica, where once again he achieved both domestic and continental success.
He then went to Italy where he managed Roma, Fiorentina and Lazio, winning Serie A with Lazio before becoming one of the best-paid coaches in the world with England. AN
Sven-Goran Eriksson mulling move to become new Iraq boss
Sven-Goran Eriksson mulling move to become new Iraq boss
- Ericsson met with Iraq FA officials in Istanbul last week.
- Former England boss to decide in coming few days about the offer of becoming Iraq coach.
Man pleads guilty to sending ‘abhorrent messages’ to England women’s footballer Carter
- His admission came after the UK Football Policing Unit launched an investigation last July into abuse directed at Carter
- Dewale is due to be sentenced on March 25
LONDON: A man pleaded guilty Friday to sending “totally abhorrent” social media messages to England women’s defender Jess Carter during last year’s European Championships.
Nigel Dewale with an address at Prospect Street, Great Harwood, northwest England, entered a guilty plea to one charge of malicious communications and possession of a weapon in a private place at Blackburn Magistrates’ Court on Friday.
His admission came after the UK Football Policing Unit launched an investigation last July into abuse directed at Carter.
Dewale is due to be sentenced on March 25.
Mark Roberts, the football policing lead for the National Police Chiefs’ Council, said: “Everyone is responsible for what they do and say, and posting a message on social media is no different.
“In this case, Dewale sent hateful and malicious messages, thinking that he would be able to hide behind his account name.
“His comments were totally abhorrent, they caused emotional distress for Miss Carter and her family and I welcome the guilty plea entered today.”
A spokesperson for England’s governing Football Association responded to Dewale’s guilty plea by saying “unacceptable behavior will not be tolerated, whether in person or online.”
The spokesperson added: “Our priority remains supporting Jess and all of our England players who continue to be impacted by disgusting online abuse.”
Writing on her social media accounts at the time the abuse came to light, Carter — who went on to help England win a second successive Euros title — said: “From the start of the tournament I have experienced a lot of racial abuse.
“Whilst I feel every fan is entitled to their opinion on performance and result I don’t agree or think it’s OK to target someone’s appearance or race.”
England forward Lauren James suffered online racist abuse after a defeat for her club side Chelsea in 2023.
England men’s players Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka and Jadon Sancho were targeted after they all failed to score penalties in a shoot-out loss to Italy in the Euro 2020 final at London’s Wembley Stadium.
