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After decades of war, aggression and instability, Iraq will, for the first time since 1979, host the eight-nation Gulf Cup starting on Friday. Off-field success will be a bigger prize than on-field success for the country’s football officials and governments.

The national team, all from West Asia, will be split into two groups of four each and converge in the southern port city of Basra. If the 25th edition goes well, FIFA could allow Baghdad to host World Cup qualifiers. Baghdad has not hosted an international convention since the US-led invasion in 2003 due to concerns over the security situation in the city.

There have been two qualifiers in the last 20 years, against Jordan in Erbil in 2011 and against Hong Kong in Basra eight years later. All other competitive matches involving national teams are played in countries such as Jordan, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.

Baghdad was due to host the 2022 World Cup qualifiers against the United Arab Emirates on March 24 last year, but the venue was changed to Saudi Arabia after a missile attack on Erbil 11 days before the match was to take place. .

A successful Gulf Cup could bring about meaningful change.

“Maintaining Iraq’s normal status in the fields of sports, culture and society is a step forward,” said Basrah Governor Assad Al-Aidani. “It’s a message to the whole world that we are capable.”

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shea al-Sudani said after visiting Basra in December to review the facilities and urged organizers to present Iraq in the best possible light, the importance of the event. emphasized the

Iraqi Football Association president Haider Aufi hopes Iraq will take inspiration from the World Cup, which will be held in Qatar in November and December.

“Sport has become one of the most important activities in the world . I did,” said Aufi.

Qatar may be a model for hosting football’s biggest tournament, but Iraq wants to avoid an example on the field. became the host country.

Felix Sanchez, who took over as manager in 2017 and led the team to the 2019 Asian Cup title, has resigned as his contract expired last week.

Qatar Football Association President Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani said: “The Qatari football family will always be grateful for the success he has brought to Qatari football over the years.” It will always be a special place with us and I hope he will always consider Qatar his home.”

Portugal’s coach Bruno Pinheiro took temporary charge while the QFA searched for a long-term replacement for the Spaniard, preparing for Group B matches against defending champions Bahrain, Kuwait and United Arab Emirates. Iraq are in Group A with Saudi Arabia, Oman and Yemen.

Two stadiums will be used, including the new 30,000-capacity Alumina Olympic Stadium.

The top two teams from each group advance to the semi-finals. The final will take place on January 19th.

Other AP Soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

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