The Arab Gulf Cup Football Federation (AGCFF) has granted Iraq the right to organise the next Arabian Gulf Cup edition, which will be held two years from now in Basra.
The decision was taken during the general assembly of the federation held on Thursday at Sheraton Doha.
The assembly was chaired by the HE the President of the AGCFF and President of Qatar Football Association Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, in the presence of Vice-President Dr Jassim bin Mohamed al-Shukaili, Secretary-General Jassim al-Rumaihi and representatives of member associations.
The AGCFF Secretary-General Jassim al-Rumaihi, announced during the press conference held after the general assembly meeting that the initial approval to host the 25th Arabian Gulf Cup in Iraq came because it is the only candidate, but the final approval will be determined later, after sending the hosting criteria of the tournament to each member association.
Al-Rumaihi stressed that Iraq deserves to organise the next edition because more than 40 years ago Iraq did not organise this event. He said the country is now in a position to host the cup, adding that Qatar Football Association is supportive of all athletes in the region.
He pointed out that Iraq's bid, which was submitted, meets nealry 80% of the requirements, adding that the door is still open for the rest of the Gulf associations to send their bids. The deadline for receiving the bids is next week.
Al-Rumaihi stressed that the president of AGCFF is committed to help Iraq Football Association to solve all the problems that could face in the organisation of the next edition.
Responding to a question about the preparedness of Basra city to host the next tournament, al-Rumaihi said that there are shortcomings, but the AGCFF has promised to stand with the Iraq Football Association, and all attendees announced their readiness to provide support to Iraq so that it can host the tournament.
Regarding the criteria that should be met by countries to host any upcoming tournament, al-Rumaihi said that one of the most prominent one is security, besides sports facilities, hotels and all other organisational aspects.
Meanwhile, President of Iraq Football Association, Abdul Khaliq Masood, expressed his pleasure at Iraq being granted the right to organise the next edition of the Arabian Gulf Cup. He also expressed his satisfaction at the trust placed by the presidents of the Gulf Associations and secretaries in the city of Basra and Iraq to have the honour of hosting this event.
Masood added, in a press statement, that the organisation of the 25the Arabian Gulf Cup in Iraq is a great achievement for the Iraqi people, pointing out that the Iraqi government represented by the Ministry of Youth and the Iraqi Ministry of Interior has pledged to provide security for all Gulf teams and fans.
He pointed out that all the Gulf fans are welcome in Iraq, adding that the country will provide all means of comfort to them. He wished the presence of everyone, whether coming by air or by sea and also by land, especially Kuwaitis who can enter the country by road.
