Iraq has apologized to Kuwait after organizational problems in the Gulf Cup in Basra prompted the Kuwaiti delegation to leave.
A stampede occurred on Friday, before the tournament opened, which prevented the representative of the Emir of Kuwait from entering the stadium. A spokesman for the Kuwaiti delegation said: “The riots prevented the representative of the country’s Emir from entering the stadium.”
This is the first time Iraq has staged the Gulf Cup in 44 years.
For many years Iraq was deprived of hosting international soccer matches and today the government tries to improve the country’s image by organizing sports tournaments such as the Gulf Cup.
Video images posted on social media show about 20 men arguing and exchanging insults, for unknown reasons, in the wing reserved for officials of the stadium, where the inaugural match between Iraq and Oman is taking place.
The head of the Kuwaiti Olympic Committee, Fahd Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad, was unable to enter the stadium amidst the chaos, according to Kuwaiti media, and was a representative of the country’s Emir, Prince Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al Sabah.
The head of the Kuwait Football Federation and his accompanying delegation withdrew from the opening ceremony, in a show of solidarity with the emir’s representative.
According to Kuwaiti media, the federation expressed its “dissatisfaction with the bad organization that led to the stampede” but confirmed that the Kuwaiti national team will play its matches in the tournament.
The Iraqi federation apologized to Kuwait for “the organizational problems and difficulties that led them to enter the stadium”.
And the French press agency reports that the organizers have also prevented the entry of some fans and accredited journalists.
The Iraqi federation said it would review events on and off the pitch to make sure the organization improves.
Eight countries participate in this Gulf Cup and its activities will end on 19 January.
