Zico in Iraq to negotiate national deal

By foxsports
Published

The Iraqi Football Federation is confident of signing a contract with former Brazilian great Zico to coach the national team.

''For sure, we will reach a final decision tomorrow (Sunday) about the salary for Zico,'' Federation president Najih Hamoud said Saturday. ''Absolutely we will sign the contact tomorrow.''

The 58-year-old Zico - who formerly coached Japan and several club sides, most recently Olympiakos - arrived in the northern Iraqi city of Irbil early Saturday to discuss terms for a one-year contract.

Zico also attended a practice session by the national team in Irbil, where Iraq plays its matches.

Iraq hosts Jordan on Friday in the third round of Asian qualifying for the 2014 World Cup. Irbil is located in Iraq's Kurdish controlled northern territory, 217 miles (350 kilometers) north of Baghdad.

Zico did not attend a media briefing on Saturday and was not immediately available for comment.