Vieira to part company with Iraq after Asian Cup

BANGKOK, July 28 (Reuters) Iraq coach Jorvan Vieira is set to part company with his team after tomorrow's Asian Cup final against Saudi Arabia because of the shambolic state of Iraqi soccer.

The Brazilian told Reuters he would turn down an extension to his two-month contract because of chronic disorganisation in Iraqi soccer, which he said made the job the most difficult of his career.

''I took this job because it was a tremendous challenge, and I have no regrets at all,'' Vieira said in a telephone interview.

''But I can't fight against everybody. I'm looking for a club or a national team with good organisation...here, I'm doing everybody else's job.

''If my contact was for six months and not for two they would have had to take me to the hospital for crazy people.'' Vieira said steering the unfancied Iraqis to their first Asian Cup final was one of the finest moments of his career.

''It was very big for me, one of my greatest achievements,'' said the Brazilian, who has coached 26 clubs and five national teams.

''I had a gut feeling inside, a message that I should take this job. It was a fantastic experience, it was a gift from god.'' HARD DECISION The 54-year-old said it was a hard decision to turn his back on Iraq having been asked by players, fans and even Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki to lead the team to the 2010 World Cup.

''For me, this is very difficult, everyone has asked me not to leave, but it's difficult working against my instincts,'' he said.

''I'm a very organised and meticulous man. It's difficult to work when you are agitated and things don't go as you wish. I have to fight against everything.

''I'm so tired, this is not good for my health,'' he added.

When Vieira took over two months ago, the team was in disarray, with poor training facilities, players unavailable and rifts between Shi'ites and minority Sunni Arabs in the squad.

As a result of Iraq's impressive performance in the Asian Cup, Vieira has been inundated with offers from club teams, although he denies reports he is set to replace Dutchman Pim Verbeek as South Korea's national coach.

''This is not true,'' he said. ''I have not heard or said anything about this.'' Iraq face three-times winners Saudi Arabia in tomorrow's final in what Vieira hopes will be a fairytale finish to a campaign fraught with logistical mishaps and poor organisation.

Whatever the outcome, Vieira said he and his players have something to be proud of.

''The whole world is talking about us,'' he said. ''They are talking about the war in Iraq and they are amazed at what we have done as a team and as a group.

''This team have become stars in the world, and not only because of football.

''I'm very happy that I had the chance to help this team give hope to the Iraqi people.'' REUTERS TB BD2038