Sports
In a move reflecting growing confidence in its organizational capabilities, the Arab Gulf Cup Football Federation has announced that Iraq will host the 28th edition of the Arabian Gulf Cup, commonly known as "Khaleeji 28." This significant decision was made today, Monday, following a meeting of the Federation's Executive Office held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on the sidelines of the ongoing "Khaleeji 27" tournament. The announcement came after the Executive Office thoroughly discussed Iraq's hosting bid during the meeting. The session was chaired by His Excellency Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani, President of the Arab Gulf Cup Football Federation, with the presence of all Executive Office members involved in the future of the regional tournament. The meeting's agenda was not limited to the "Khaleeji 28" hosting file; it also included an in-depth discussion on the future of Gulf tournaments in general and a review of directives aimed at developing the Federation's competitions. Furthermore, the meeting addressed the latest developments concerning the current "Khaleeji 27" tournament, in addition to planning for upcoming football events and obligations. This anticipated hosting confirms the tournament's return to Iraqi soil after its successful hosting of the 25th edition in Basra governorate in 2023, which garnered widespread praise for its massive public attendance and remarkable organizational success. That edition was followed by Kuwait's hosting of the tournament, with Saudi Arabia currently hosting the ongoing (Khaleeji 27) edition in Jeddah. Consequently, Iraq is preparing to serve as the venue for the third edition of the Arabian Gulf Cup in its rich football history. After Baghdad hosted "Khaleeji 5" in 1979 and Basra hosted "Khaleeji 25" in 2023, hosting "Khaleeji 28" signifies the tournament's return to Iraq just three years after Basra's hosting of the twenty-fifth edition, highlighting Iraq's renewed role on the Gulf football map.
