QFA chief hopeful of 8-side Gulf Cup

background image

Tuesday, November 7th 2017 07:15 AM


DOHA: Chairman of the Arab Gulf Cup Football Federation (AGCFF) Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani on Monday met with the Executive Board members to discuss matters relating to the hosting of the 23rd Gulf Cup.   "We welcome the members of the AGCFF Executive Board in Doha. We look forward to welcoming the eight Gulf teams that are scheduled to feature in the 23rd Gulf Cup in Qatar next month.   We will be celebrating a tradition of football when the tournament is hosted in Doha," Sheikh Hamad said in his opening remarks on Monday.   "This football tradition started 40 years ago and we see a glorious future for this event in years to come," he added.   "The preparations have been going on for a long time and have increased after the draw ceremony held in September.   As you all know, hosting of such an event requires significant arrangements and Qatar is marching on with success," Sheikh Hamad, who is also the President of the Qatar Football association (QFA), said.   The AGCFF Chairman urged member countries to confirm their participation in the tournament. A date has been set for the AGCFF member states to confirm their participation, it was informed.   "Everyone should know that the Gulf Cup is a championship for the people, that’s why I am hopeful that we will organize an 8 tram, tournament , all the football fans in the region are waiting impatiently for the event to start," Sheikh Hamad said.   Regarding the participation of Kuwaiti, he said: "There are attempts to lift the suspension of the Kuwaiti Football Federation. This is in the interest of Kuwaiti football. We fully back their participation in the tournament."