Iraq Calls on FIFA to Lift Ban on Its Stadiums

Iraq’s Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' Al Sudani called on the International Football Association (FIFA) to lift the ban on Iraqi stadiums.

This came in statements he made, today, Saturday, to the official Iraqi News Agency (INA).

Al Sudani considered that the Gulf Cup tournament is a message to international sports institutions that "Iraq is a safe country," and it possesses the capabilities that help it attract championships and matches.

"The simplest message that the International Federation can present to the Iraqi public is to lift the international ban on Iraqi stadiums," the prime minister said.

Al-Sudani's remarks come at a time when the Iraqi city of Basra is hosting the "Gulf 25" tournament.

It is noteworthy that this is the second time that Iraq has hosted the Gulf Cup, after hosting it for the first time in 1979 and winning it.