By Hamid Al-Amiry
RIYADH, Nov 20 (KUNA) -- Chairman of the Iraqi Football Association AbdullKhaliq Masoud said the president of the International Football Federation (FIFA), Joseph Blatter, is interested in lifting the ban on Iraq at the next FIFA's meeting.
"Joseph Blatter promised while attending the Gulf Cup opening things will be positive towards the lifting of the ban at the next meeting of the International Federation," Masoud told Kuwait News Agency (KUNA).
He expressed confidence in his country's federation to overcome all the obstacles that may impede Iraq's bids to host the 23rd of the Gulf Cup tournament, to be held in January 2016, stressing that host the next GCC tournament is a legitimate right for all Iraqis.
Masoud praised the good organization of the Gulf Cup currently held in Saudi Arabia, stressing "it is not uncommon that the brothers in the Kingdom of masterminding good organization and offering hospitality." The heads of unions participating in the Gulf Cup tournament set in the last meeting, held two days ago, date of the next Arabian Gulf football Cup, in January 2016.
They agreed for Iraq to host the next session of Gulf Cup in the city of Basra, in case the (FIFA) lift the soprts ban on Iraq during the next three months, and to be presented at a meeting in December 2014.
The Executive Committee will visit Kuwait at the s0ame to determine readiness to host the 23rd Gulf Cup as alternative country and as so short time available for the committees to lift their report to the Extraordinary Conference in February 18, 2015. (end) ha.mah.ss