Arsenal have dismissed head doctor Zafar Iqbal with immediate effect, just weeks after he celebrated on the pitch with the squad following their Premier League title win at Selhurst Park. The 51-year-old was called to a meeting on June 1, shortly after the club’s Champions League final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, and informed his position had been terminated, according to The Telegraph.
Iqbal, who joined Arsenal in 2024 from Crystal Palace and Liverpool, replaced Gary O’Driscoll after he left for Manchester United. His two-year tenure at the Emirates was marked by a series of key injuries to crucial players, prompting manager Mikel Arteta to enlist the help of Spanish physio Joaquín Acedo one month before the firing. It remains unclear whether Acedo’s involvement influenced the decision to part ways with Iqbal, who is widely respected across football. The reasons for his sacking have not been disclosed, though some staff had been aware of uncertainty over his future in recent weeks.
“Arsenal sack head doctor Zafar Iqbal weeks after Premier League triumph, while Under-21s coach Max Porter departs for Stoke.”
The Gunners are also set to lose Under-21s head coach Max Porter, who is leaving after nine years at the club to join Stoke City. Porter began as an Under-9s coach in July 2017 and worked his way up through the academy, becoming Under-21s assistant in July 2022 and taking over as head coach last summer after Mehmet Ali departed for Brentford. He will link up with Stoke manager Mark Robins as part of his backroom team, filling the vacancy left by Paul Nevin, who left his assistant role in February.
Stoke endured a turbulent Championship campaign, finishing 17th after a promising start. They occupied a play-off position on matchday 19 but a 4-0 defeat to Sheffield United triggered a dramatic slump. Porter’s appointment is seen as a vote of confidence in Robins, who retained his job despite the poor run. For Arsenal, the double backroom exit marks a significant shake-up as they prepare for the new season.