[ad_1]
Iraq gained the Gulf Cup for the primary time since 1988 with a 3-2 victory over Oman on Thursday however the triumph was marred by a deadly stampede exterior the Basra Worldwide Stadium.
The catastrophe may have repercussions for the nation’s 2026 World Cup hopes.
As followers tried to get into the stadium hours earlier than kickoff, there was a crush that killed no less than two folks and injured dozens, a well being official mentioned.
It was a blow for organizers of the primary worldwide soccer event hosted in Iraq since 1979 as the larger prize of internet hosting 2026 World Cup qualifiers appeared to be inside attain.
On account of safety issues, Iraq has staged solely two World Cup qualifiers for the reason that U.S.-led invasion of 2003, in opposition to Jordan within the northern metropolis of Erbil in 2011 and Hong Kong in Basra eight years later. All different aggressive video games involving the nationwide staff have been performed in neighboring nations reminiscent of Jordan, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
Baghdad final staged a aggressive worldwide recreation in September 2001 in opposition to Bahrain however was lastly scheduled to host a 2022 World Cup qualifier in opposition to United Arab Emirates on March 24 final 12 months. After a missile assault on Erbil 11 days earlier than the sport was to be performed, nevertheless, the venue was switched from the Iraqi capital to Saudi Arabia.
“The Gulf Cup is a message to worldwide sports activities establishments that Iraq is a secure nation, that it has the capability and capabilities enabling it to draw tournaments,” Iraq’s new Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani mentioned.
He urged that FIFA permit Iraq to play World Cup qualifiers on house soil.
“The only message that the worldwide federation may give to the Iraqi followers is lifting the worldwide ban on Iraqi stadiums,” he mentioned.
The Gulf Cup, an eight-nation event that normally takes place each two years, kicked off on Jan. 6 with FIFA president Gianni Infantino in attendance.
“I’m so completely satisfied that aggressive soccer has lastly returned to Iraq, an actual football-loving nation, much more so with such a prestigious event,” Infantino mentioned.
It stays to be seen if the stampede impacts any resolution that FIFA makes on Iraq internet hosting 2026 World Cup qualifiers that may begin in Asia in October.
There had already been controversy with Iran summoning the Iraqi ambassador in Tehran to protest using the title “Arabian Gulf Cup” for the event. Tehran says the physique of water known as the “Persian Gulf.”
___
AP sports activities: https://apnews.com/hub/sports activities and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports
[ad_2]
Source link