Alkass Digital
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani, President of the Arabian Gulf Cup Football Federation, extended his gratitude and appreciation to the people of Iraq and the Iraqi government for the warm hospitality, and all the efforts put in by everyone to organise the 25th Arabian Gulf Cup in Basra.
The QFA President praised the Iraqi government, headed by Prime Minister H E Mohammed Shia Al Sudani, and the organisers of the tournament, including Iraqi Minister of Youth and Sports H E Ahmed Al Mubarqa, Basra Governor H E Engineer Asaad Al Eidani, and President of the Iraqi Football Association (IFA) Adnan Darjal, for the impressive opening ceremony held at the Basra International Stadium and the wonderful display of history and art that viewers witnessed.
He commended the Iraqi Football Association and tournament officials for preparing for this tournament from all aspects, adding: “We are aware that all tournaments in the world have negatives and positives, but the positives are always strengthened and solutions are developed for the negatives, so that they are not repeated. We hope that people will not focus on the negatives in order to support the Iraqi Football Association in their organisation.”
He added: “The technical level of the performances so far was mediocre and did not reach the required level, and this is normal at the start of each tournament. We hope in the next rounds that the level will be higher than that, for all players of the Gulf teams.
Sheikh Hamad also had words of praise for Iraqi fans, the main pillar of support for the tournament, who were keen to attend all matches, whether they were held in Basra Stadium or Al Mina Stadium.
“This is evidence of the Iraqi fans’ love for the game of football,” he said.
He concluded by confirming that a general meeting will be held on January 13, 2023 to consult with the heads of the eight Gulf federations on ways to develop the work of the AGCFF, and Gulf football in general.