Kuwait takes up Qatar’s offer to transfer and host the 23rd Gulf Cup
Qatar’s magnanimous offer to let Kuwait — who recently returned to International football following FIFA’s lifting of a ban on them — host the 23rd Gulf Cup has been accepted.
The tournament, which was originally set to be held in Qatar but was offered to Kuwait as a gesture of friendship and solidarity for staunchly standing by them, will officially kick off on December 22, reported Gulf Times.
Kuwait has stood by Qatar since the start of the illegal blockade and has been playing a leading role in trying to broker peace.
It is understood that the tournament will go ahead with no change in dates and with the representation of all the eight teams as originally planned.
“On the basis of consultations between the leaderships of both countries it has been agreed to transfer the Gulf Cup tournament to Kuwait,” Qatar Football Association president Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani said on Friday.
“The Gulf Cup is an event to be celebrated by people of all countries of the region and has a prominent place in the hearts of the people. We’re sure Kuwait will be perfect hosts,” he added.
Qatar’s move attracted a lot of appreciation from FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
Describing it as a ‘strong and symbolic’ step, Infantino thanked Qatari football authorities for the initiative which “is in line with Qatar’s commitment to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup for the entire region.”
“The Gulf Cup 2017 will be a great celebration of football in the region and the participation of all eight teams in Kuwait will send a very strong message to the world,” Infantino said, according to Qatar Tribune.
“I would like to express my gratitude to Qatar, Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, UAE and Yemen teams for deciding to participate in this tournament,” he added.
Meanwhile, UAE Football Association president Marwan bin Ghalita confirmed that his nation will compete in the Gulf Cup.
“The UAE will participate in the upcoming Gulf Cup in Kuwait. I talked with the coach (Alberto Zaccheroni) and he wished to participate in the tournament,” he was quoted as saying by Sport 360.
Similarly, the Bahrain Football Association too confirmed their team’s participation, according to Gulf Daily News.
