Member of the Iraqi Football Federation, Ahmed Al-Moussawi, confirmed that Baghdad's hosting of the Gulf Cup 28 represents an important opportunity to enhance Iraq's sports and tourism status and to benefit from the organizational success achieved in the Gulf Cup 25 in Basra.
Al-Moussawi stated in a comment followed by the News Video Agency that hosting the championship goes beyond the sports aspect, as it allows showcasing Iraq's image and enhancing the capital's status on both sports and tourism levels, in addition to solidifying the country's ability to organize regional and international sports events.
He added that hosting can contribute to accelerating the completion of sports projects and rehabilitating stadiums, facilities, and infrastructure, ensuring a sustainable sports legacy after the championship concludes.
He clarified that Baghdad has the capacity to host the championship, provided that the necessary support is secured and coordination among the relevant entities is strengthened, along with establishing a clear timetable for rehabilitating stadiums and facilities and completing remaining projects.
He pointed out that the success of the hosting requires a comprehensive plan that includes stadiums, sports cities, training facilities, hotels, transportation, airports, media services, and security, emphasizing the support of the Iraqi Football Federation for these efforts and utilizing the experience gained from Gulf Cup 25 in Basra.
Al-Moussawi stressed the necessity of moving from the idea of hosting to practical implementation by identifying requirements and assessing the facilities that need rehabilitation, noting the importance of coordination between the Ministry of Youth and Sports, government entities, the federation, and organizing committees to ensure a distinguished edition that leaves a lasting sports legacy for the capital and Iraq.