DOHA (Qatar): The Chief Executive Officer at the Local Organizing Committee of FIFA 2022 World Cup Nasser Al Khater thanked Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the UAE teams for their participation in the ongoing 24th Arab Gulf Cup.
The three nations had boycotted the tournament here two years ago before it was shifted to Kuwait.
“Their participation has given a competitive edge and raised the level of the tournament,” said Al Khater.
Some of the group matches had been a cracker including the Qatar-UAE and Bahrain-Kuwait on Monday.
Bahrain knocked out tournament’s most successful side Kuwait with a determined 4-2 win in their last Group B clash.
“We will see exciting semifinals that will feature Saudi Arabia- Qatar and Iraq vs Bahrain,” added Al Khater.
On the successful organization of the Gulf Cup, he said, “We’ve gaining experience on each day during the competition. Our aim is to organise a successful tournament technically. We will always strive to achieve the best in the tournaments that are hosted by Qatar including the World Cup.”
He also praised the Qatari fans and the residents for using the Doha Metro.
“Around 9,000 fans used the Metro on the opening day while 14,000 commuted by the train to reach Khalifa International Stadium. These numbers are excellent as it has reduced the traffic congestion on the roads leading to the stadium,” said Al Khater.
Sheikh Hamad awards former Gulf stars
The President of the Arab Gulf Football Federation HE Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani awarded five former stars here on Tuesday for their contribution to Arab Gulf Cup.
The competition was started in Bahrain in 1970, and Doha is hosting the 24th edition.
The awards ceremony began with a screening of some of the beautiful memories of the previous Gulf Cup editions.
Those who were awarded include Ali Al Buainain (Bahrain), Hussein Saeed (Iraq), third-highest scorer in tournament history, late Mahmoud Sophie (Qatar), Mohammed Hassan Rabie (Oman) and Bashar Abdullah, who led Kuwait to four titles in 1996, 1998, 2003 and 2004 respectively.
