Basra, Iraq – The Iraqi Football Association (IFA) has apologised for the unexpected crowd at the Basra International Stadium, which delayed entry of the Omani fans to the venue of the final of the 25^th Arabian Gulf Cup.

IFA issued a statement on the massive crowd momentum in the final match of the 25th Gulf Championship between the two brotherly teams of Iraq and Oman.

A statement issued by the association said, ‘The Iraqi Football Association expresses its deep regret as a result of the huge crowd in the final match of the Gulf Cup between Iraqi and Omani, which exceeded all expectations, and led to a delay in the entry of the beloved Omani fans to the stadium to support their national team.’

Adnan Darjal, chiarman, IFA said, “On behalf of the organising committee of the tournament, IFA apologises to the Omani fans who were late in entering the stadium. We extend sincere thanks to those in charge of Omani football led by H H Sayyid Theyazin bin Haitham bin Tarik al Said, Minister of Culture, Sports and Youth, Sheikh Salem al Wahaibi, President of Oman Football Association, for their support to Iraq in organising the 25th edition of the Arabian Gulf Cup. It was the continuous coordination with them that resulted in the success of the closing ceremony and the final match between Iraq and Oman.”

He added that Iraq is keen to strengthen its historical relations with the “brotherly Sultanate of Oman in all fields, especially the sports”, and that what happened will not “affect the strength of the relations that unite the two countries”.

“Thank you from the heart for your presence in the Basra International Stadium, and we repeat our regret for your delay in entering the stadium.”