Newspaper Aftenposten reported Monday that Olsen himself, however, hadn't been informed of his firing by the Iraqi soccer association.
"I have tried to make contact with the association down there, but haven't heard anything since Thursday," said Olsen, noting that he'd only heard of his alleged firing through the media.
Basem al-Rubaie, vice president of the Iraqi soccer association, told Reuters Sunday night that the association had decided to fire Olsen "because he refused to travel into Iraq and coach the team in Kurdistan."
Aftenposten, however, reported that the Iraqis fired Olsen because he didn't attract as many sponsors as the association had expected. Olsen's lawyer confirmed sponsors were expected, but claimed the association never signed a contract that would have cleared the way to seek sponsors.
Olsen also had initial problems getting paid, but now says he's received all agreed pay. He reportedly will also receive severance pay.
