Iraq FA denies Diego Maradona interest

The Iraq Football Association has denied that it has approached Diego Maradona to take over as national team manager.

The former Argentina international's management claimed that Maradona was on the verge of completing a deal with the IFA earlier this week.

The deputy head of the association, Abdul-Khaliq Masoud, said in a statement: "There is no negotiation between Iraqi Football Association with Diego Maradona and it doesn't have any intention to hire him."

The 52-year-old has been out of management since leaving Dubai side Al Wasl in July.

Iraq have been without a manager since Zico resigned last month, citing unfulfilled commitments by the IFA.