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[yota691]

Viva includes lifting the total ban on Iraqi football on the agenda of his next conference

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Viva includes lifting the total ban on Iraqi football on the agenda of his next conference

 

08-02-2018 12:25 PM

 

The Euphrates -

 

The International Football Federation (FIFA) has approved the request of the Federation to include the issue of lifting the total ban on Iraqi stadiums on the agenda of the Congress of FIFA, which will be held in Colombia next March. 

"FIFA President Gianni Infantino met with the president of the Iraqi Football Federation Abdul Khaleq Masoud and his accompanying delegation on the sidelines of the FIFA Forum which ended today in the Omani capital of Muscat," the Football Association said in a press statement. Adding that 'Infantino, approved the request of the Football Association to include the issue of lifting the total ban on Iraqi stadiums on the agenda of the next Congress of FIFA to be held in Colombia next March. 

"The meeting, which was also attended by the director of the national associations in FIFA Sanjevi and the director of the Infantino office, was transparent," Masood said. "The president of the International Federation showed a clear understanding of the Iraqi request, which was reinforced by documents that proved our success in past experiences." 

"I hope that the era of the ban on our card will end at the next meeting," he said.

[yota691]

Viva includes lifting the total ban on Iraqi football on the agenda of his next conference

Release date: 2018/2/8 12:41 • 217 times read

The head of the International Federation of Football (FIFA) Gianni Infantino has agreed to request the adoption of the ball on the subject of lifting the total ban on Iraqi stadiums on the agenda of the next FIFA Congress to be held in Colombia next March.

"The meeting was also attended by the director of the national federations," Masoud said, adding that the president of the football federation Abdelkhalik Masoud and his accompanying delegation met with FIFA President Infantino on the sidelines of the FIFA World Cup in Muscat. FIFA Sangeevi and director of the Infantino office was transparent , as expressed President of the international Union , a clear understanding of the Iraqi request for enhanced documentation that proved our successes in the past experiences that we have established. " 
he added that" Infantino instructed to include the Iraqi request within the agenda of the next Congress, hoping to end periods The ban on our planet in the next meeting. " 
The Minister of Youth and Sports, Abdul - Hussein Abtan, sought over the past years to lift the ban on Iraq 's football stadiums by FIFA because of the situation Alomna.anthy

[yota691]

Video: The Asian Football Federation explains the entry of Iraqi stadiums to add international matches

Editorial Date: 2018/2/11 13:26 • 62 times read

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has announced the approval of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) for the inclusion of three Iraqi stadiums to accommodate friendly international matches and clubs according to Asian standards and regulations.

A statement by the Ministry of Youth and Sports received the agency {Euphrates News} a copy of Kamel saying that "the representative of the Asian Football Federation, who visited the Iraqi stadiums recently in preparation for lifting the total ban on Iraqi stadiums, authorized during the message, which arrived yesterday to play in the playgrounds Zakho, International Stadium to join the first three stadiums that were placed within the Iraqi file to lift the embargo is Basra International Stadium and the Karbala Stadium and Erbil Stadium to become the total number of Iraqi stadiums ready to add to official matches six stadiums. 
He pointed out that "the six stadiums that have been adopted will be a legitimate gate to lift the embargo and Iraq can add major tournaments, which may reach the number of participating teams to 24 teams through the distribution in the form of groups and this will support the Iraqi demand and efforts to lift the ban on the Iraqi ball by FIFA. "Finished

[10 YEARS LATER]

ALL these POSITIVE things keep happening to allow Iraq the ability to re-enter the Global Community, and their answer is . . . . WELL WE ALL KNOW DON'T WE ! ! ! ! 

[yota691]

Abtan: visit of the Qatari delegation to support the lifting of the ban on Iraqi courts

Release date: 2018/2/15 11:05 • 104 times read

(Al-Furat News) The Minister of Youth and Sports, Abdul Hussein Abtan, announced that the visit of the Qatari delegation to the capital Baghdad in order to support the efforts to lift the football ban on Iraqi stadiums.

A statement issued by the Ministry of Youth received the news agency (Euphrates News) that Abtan "received the Qatari sports delegation headed by the President of the Qatar Football Federation Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani on arrival at Baghdad airport on an official visit to support the lifting of the ban on Iraqi football. 
The Qatari delegation had visited the headquarters of the Football Federation

[yota691]

Al-Jubouri to Qatari delegation Sports: We count a lot on supporting brothers in lifting the ban on our stadiums

February 16, 2018

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The president of the House of Representatives Salim al-Jubouri said on Thursday during a meeting with a Qatari sports delegation that Iraq is counting on supporting the Arab brothers in lifting the ban on sports stadiums.

"Al-Jubouri received a Qatari sports delegation headed by Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, president of the Qatar Football Federation, in the presence of the Iraqi Minister of Youth and Sports Abdul Hussein Abtan and the President of the Iraqi Football Federation Mr. Abdul Khaleq Massoud and a number of former Iraqi football stars. During the meeting, they reviewed the importance of strengthening bilateral relations in all fields, including the field of sport, ways of continuing cooperation between the Iraqi and Qatari Union and harnessing this cooperation to achieve benefit and positive results for both sides.

He added that "Jubouri stressed the need to support Iraqi sport and provide all facilities and harness all the potential to strengthen the sport sector and develop at the level of teams and clubs, and interest in sports facilities and young athletes and pioneers through the issuance of legislation and laws on that," pointing out that " And is keen to communicate with those who work to solve all problems. "

He said that "Jubouri appreciated the role of the Qatari side and its cooperation with Iraq in the issue of lifting the ban on stadiums and providing facilities to Iraqi teams."

For his part, the president of the Qatar Football Federation expressed his happiness with his presence in Iraq and that he was optimistic about the end of the ban on Iraqi stadiums because Iraq has a history of sports with Arab, continental and international achievements. It also has new sports capabilities and won big titles even in difficult circumstances and Cairo.

[yota691]

 

Iraq urges FIFA to lift ban on hosting internationals

Iraq has renovated its football stadiums to bring them up to FIFA standards [Getty]

Date of publication: 22 February, 2018

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Iraq is hoping renovated stadiums and a ban on bringing weapons to matches will convince FIFA to lift restrictions on it hosting international competitions on home turf.

 

 

Iraq is hoping to convince FIFA to lift a decades-long ban on hosting international matches after overhauling its stadiums and security, its sports minister said.

Although Iraq has hosted Gulf football friendlies it has not played full internationals on home turf for almost three decades.

Baghdad now hopes the renovation of its stadiums and outlawing of weapons at matches will have persuaded the football governing body to allow competitive games.

The ban has been in effect since Iraq's 1990 invasion of Kuwait that sparked an international embargo.

FIFA's ban, covering all but local matches, stayed in place after the American-led invasion of 2003 that toppled dictator Saddam Hussein.

It was briefly lifted in 2012, but a power outage during an Iraq-Jordan match in the Iraqi Kurdish capital Erbil led FIFA to promptly to reinstate it.

Iraq is now allowed to host international friendlies at stadiums in Erbil, the southern port city of Basra and the shrine city of Karbala.

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On February 28, Basra will host a friendly between Iraq and Saudi Arabia - the first Saudi national team to play on Iraqi soil in four decades.

The match marks a warming of ties between the two countries, after Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi visited Riyadh last year.

"Politics is present in every domain, and Saudi Arabia has major political weight," Sports and Youth Minister Abdulhussein Abttan told AFP in an interview at the international stadium of Najaf.

"The presence of the Saudi team in Iraq means a lot to us."

Years of insecurity following the US-led invasion and the Islamic State group's occupation of a swathes of northern and western Iraq turned hosting sports events into a major challenge.

But Iraq in December declared victory over the militant group following a three-year battle, and FIFA finally relaxed the ban.

Now, Abttan wants the sport's governing body to lift it entirely. 

"I hope that this (Saudi) match will inspire other national teams to visit Iraq, which will help support our case for a total lifting of FIFA's ban on matches in our stadiums," Abttan said.

"We are also counting on the teams of Bahrain, Qatar and Iran, all of which also have political influence in sports."

While Abttan's efforts to bring football tournaments back to Iraqi soil appear to be bearing fruit, he faces challenges persuading other sports teams to visit the country.

He criticised Lebanon's al-Riyadi basketball club for refusing to play in Iraq in March, on security grounds.

"It's unfortunate to find an Arab basketball club that refuses to play in Iraq for security reasons while there are Arab football clubs that are ready to come and play here," he said. 

He said that while some sports stadiums were faulty, such as in Erbil, "a lot of work has been done… and a lot of money has been spent" to bring them up to standard.

He said he is also determined to tackle the problem of armed men in stadiums.

In January, a supporter of a local team opened fire on the bus of the opposing club, although nobody was wounded in the incident.

Later the same month, Iraq's Police Club, owned by the interior ministry, was banned from playing in Baghdad's main football ground following a brawl between police and stadium guards.

Military officers have been known to bring both cars and weapons into stadiums.

"Nobody could stop them because they are high ranking," Abttan said.

"But now it is different, and in coordination with the interior ministry, we put an end to this situation, which was in total contradiction with FIFA rules."

[Officiallytook]

If this happens might as well put it in the bag. It's a done deal. If these guys give you a pass... just saying lol

[yota691]

URGENT FIFA surprise Iraq and Saudi Arabia ahead of their meeting tomorrow

Editorial date: 2018/2/27 9:52 • 1852 times read

(International: Euphrates News) surprised the International Football Association (FIFA), the Iraqi and Saudi national teams ahead of their friendly meeting expected, on Wednesday, at Basra International Stadium.

"FIFA has listed the two matches of the first Saudi team against Moldova in Jeddah and against Iraq in Basra on 26 and 28 of this month as two friendly countries," Saudi Arabia's deputy chairman Naim al-Bakr was quoted as saying by the Saudi newspaper Al-Riyadh. 
Al-Bakr added: "The two friendly matches that are part of the Saudi Green program will be set for the World Cup in Russia next March." 
The new FIFA rankings are due for release on March 15. 
The Saudi team is preparing to participate in the finals of the World Cup, scheduled to be held in Russia in June and July for the first time since 2006, and the opening match against the host country Russia in the first group with Egypt and Uruguay.

[yota691]

The airmen arrive in Basra to join the national team

Editorial date: 2018/2/27 17:34 • 167 times read

[Ain-Basra] 
The national team arrived from the Air Force Club on Tuesday to Basra province to join the team.

Arrived at Basra International Airport, noon today, the trio of air force Humam Tariq, Imad Mohsen and Ahmed Abdul Redha, and then joined by players Zora Hussein Ali, Mustafa Mohammed and Jalal Hassan. 
The falconers and the Nawras will participate in the national team's training this evening at Al-Fayhaa secondary stadium in preparation for the Saudi match at 7:00 pm on Wednesday. 
It is hoped that the Zora players will also arrive from Qatar where they will meet with the Syrian army.

[yota691]

Saudi sports chief: Our efforts will succeed in lifting the embargo on Iraq

Release date: 2018/2/28 10:22 • 149 times read

The head of the Saudi Sports Authority, Turki Al-Sheikh, said his country's efforts "will succeed in convincing the International Federation that it is useless to continue imposing a ban on Iraq's playgrounds."

"The Kingdom's efforts have continued in this direction for six months, in cooperation with the Iraqi brothers, and efforts will not stop until things get back to normal," said a statement by the Iraqi Ministry of Youth and Sports. 
The Basra International Stadium (65 thousand spectators), Wednesday evening, a friendly match between the Iraqi and Saudi teams, in the framework of the efforts of the Ministry of Youth and Sports to lift the ban on Iraqi football imposed by FIFA. 
Gulf and Arab media delegations arrived in Basra to attend the game and cover its activities

[yota691]

Saudi Media Delegation: Basra Stadium is an architectural masterpiece and a source of pride for Iraqis

Editorial date: 2018/2/28 10:57 • 268 times read

(Baghdad: Al-Furat News) praised the Saudi media delegation, the sports facilities in the city of Basra sports, which qualify them to host Arab, Asian and international championships.

This came during the visit of the Saudi media delegation to the sports city in Basra and to view the Basra International Stadium 65 thousand spectators, expressing their joy to visit the architectural masterpiece in Iraq. 
"The Basra stadium is one of the most beautiful Arab stadiums in the region and it is a source of pride for the Iraqis. I am happy to be among the first media delegations to visit Iraq since 1970," said Nayef al-Thakil, a correspondent for Al-Arabiya television. 
He added that "Iraq is walking in the right way in its efforts to end the ban on the Iraqi ball through the availability of sports facilities and the positive cooperation between the positive Iraqi sports institutions."
"The Basra International Stadium is an architectural masterpiece and a similar beauty to the European stadiums," said journalist Issa Al-Hakami. "The visit comes as a result of lifting the total embargo imposed on Iraq and we are witnessing Iraqi sports in development and prosperity." 
He called on the ruling "FIFA" to lift the ban on Iraqi football because the Iraqi people deserve it and that the leadership and the Saudi people stand with Iraq in restoring its natural right. 
He praised the efforts of the Iraqi Ministry of Youth and Sports to develop the sport of Iraq through the construction of sports facilities and open prospects for sports cooperation with other countries, "pointing out that" Iraq is able to add Arab and Asian tournaments. "

[yota691]

UAE referee: Iraq and Saudi Arabia game imaginary and historical

Release date: 2018/3/1 8:15 • 1330 times read

(Baghdad: Al Furat News) The second assistant in the arbitration team, who led the confrontation with Iraq and Saudi Arabia, Emirati Jassim Abdullah, described the atmosphere that he experienced during the meeting of the brothers yesterday at the Basra Stadium "Alkhalia".

"Frankly, I had hoped that I would visit Basra for a long time and it was good luck to participate in a historic event without a doubt," he said. "His memory will be stuck in my mind as long as I live." 
"During my first visit to Iraq, which I believed not to be the last, I became clear to the real picture of the security situation in Iraq, contrary to the picture that some might imagine in the light of natural things like the rest of the world." 
Abdullah said during a talk with the president of the Asian Football Federation talked about the fact that the lifting of the ban, especially that deprive the fans of soccer fans of football in Iraq to watch the national team playing at home in the official benefits (haraam), in addition to attend The masses that impressed me like everyone else who watched the match in the countries of the world. "
The national team and Saudi Arabia met yesterday for the first time in nearly 40 years in Iraq, where the Basra International Stadium (65 thousand spectators), which engulfed the fans a friendly international meeting between the teams ended Benjiga 4-1 for the black Rafidain, in the presence of AFC President and other Arab officials In a festive carnival, in an effort and hope of the Ministry of Youth and Sports to lift the ban on Iraqi football during the FIFA meeting this month.

[yota691]

Abadi thanks those who contributed to the success of today's game and calls for lifting the ban

Release date: 2018/2/28 22:44 • 355 times read

Baghdad: Al-Furat News} Prime Minister Haider al-Abbadi thanked all those who contributed to the success of the match between our Iraqi national team and his brother the Saudi national team and the Iraqi people who attended and contributed greatly to the success of this celebration in the province of Basra in support of efforts to lift the ban on our stadiums. 
The Ministry of Youth and Sports represented by its Minister Abdul Hussein Abtan extraordinary efforts to lift the ban on Iraqi stadiums. The Ministry has prepared a plan for this, beginning with the construction of stadiums and rehabilitation, and the establishment of international friendly matches and the intensification of meetings with associations and sports figures.
 

Abbadi also congratulated our national team and the Iraqi fans on this victory and thanked the Saudi team and the personalities who attended this match. 

He called on the occasion to lift the total ban on Iraqi stadiums after the success achieved in the game today, which confirms the stability of the state of security and stability and the readiness of Iraqi stadiums.

[yota691]

Saudi king vows to build football stadium in Iraq

Tuesday, 06 March 2018 03:09 p

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud

 

Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar al-Abbadi said on Monday that he had received a phone call from Saudi King Salman bin Abdul Aziz, in which he pledged to build a soccer stadium in Iraq after a friendly match between the two teams in Basra last week.
"Prime Minister Haider al-Abbadi received a telephone call from Saudi King Salman bin Abdul Aziz on Monday and during the meeting he discussed boosting cooperation between the two countries and congratulating the success of the friendly match between the two countries," the Information Office said on its Facebook page.

"King Salman stressed the importance of strengthening relations and spirit of brotherhood between the two countries and the Kingdom's support for the efforts of Iraq's reconstruction and unity.

"The King of Saudi Arabia expressed his pleasure at the success of the friendly match between the two countries, noting that it is appropriate to give a stadium to Iraq and renew cooperation and work between the two countries." Iraq won 4-1 to Saudi Arabia friendly in Basra in a game witnessed a large public presence last Wednesday, General of Sports in Saudi Arabia Turki Al-Sheikh to lift the sports ban on Iraqi stadiums.

"In his turn, Dr. Haider al-Abbadi thanked the generous initiative, stressing the work with the Kingdom to promote cooperation between the two countries, noting that the friendly match witnessed a great public interaction, which is a healthy and positive situation."

[yota691]

 

Iraq is close to lifting the ban on the belt of sports facilities and international relations

17:23

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Report / Tomorrow 's Press: 
started the Iraqi sports these days , entering a turning new and beautiful, carries great importance in fact, but a project that lifting the ban on stadiums that will come after great efforts and difficult labor passed by institutions for the success of this bitter experience that I have Witnessed long ago.

Logistic success

The Minister of Youth and Sports, Abdul Hussein Abtan, talked about the planning and foundations set by the ministry to proceed with lifting the ban, saying that this planning has already succeeded.

Abtan told Al-Ghad Press that "the proper planning and good foundations put forward by the ministry in order to proceed with lifting the embargo have made Iraq take a successful step towards this thorny issue." 
He added that "the ministry relied on two factors in this project, namely sports facilities and international relations and this is already achieved and everyone is counting on it, especially in the latter side after the signing of a number of sports protocols with many countries." 
Technical organization
of his part , counting the president of the Football Federation Abdul Khaliq Massoud that " the success of technical supervision that his Union in organizing five friendly matches, especially the last match Saudi Arabia , which was held in Basra, making the relevant authorities to lift the ban is satisfied greatly that Iraq can overcome this file."
"The International Federation will decide to lift the ban on Iraqi stadiums on March 16 during the meeting of the Executive Office, and will be about three provinces, which are Erbil, Basra, Karbala." 
In turn, the owner of the first visit to Iraq after 20 years, the former international player Adnan Dergal told "Al-Ghad Press" that "what I saw in Iraq of hard work in the field of sports, especially in the lifting of the ban is commendable." 
He pointed out that "the security aspect in Iraq exceeds many Arab and neighboring countries and this makes him close to lifting the ban on sports stadiums in the nearest period."

Great Arab support

On the views of the Arab and Gulf side, the director of the AFC office told Al-Ghad Press that "the president of the federation Salman bin Ibrahim is very supportive of lifting the ban on Iraq's sport and the best guide to his visit to Basra and attend the match between Iraq and Saudi Arabia." 
"The AFC will make a positive recommendation to the International Federation for the need to lift the ban on Iraqi sport." 
In the meantime, the director of the Arab Club for Arab and Bahraini Media Mohammad Qasim praised the "foreign policy adopted by the Ministry of Youth and Sports in conveying the sports image in particular and the general situation on Iraq from providing different visits to a number of sports officials, whether ministers or heads of federations." 
"There is no excuse left for all to support Iraqi sport by lifting the ban on its stadiums," he said. "His organization will make a great effort to obtain the final decision in mid-month."
In a related context, said the Saudi media Talal Al-Ghamdi, "Iraq's success in organizing his game with the Saudi team has gone a long way in the file lifting the embargo," noting that "what I saw in Basra of love and love and respect for sports is pushing everyone to lift the ban on black ball Rafidain. " 
He pointed out that "Iraq will succeed in lifting the ban on stadiums as long as he enjoys support Saudi Arabia and the Gulf."

[yota691]

Abtan announces good news about stadiums

Editorial Date: 2018/3/7 11:58 • 796 times prescribed

(Baghdad: Al-Furat News) Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr. Abdul Hussein Abtan, announced a good news in the Ministry's efforts to establish sports stadiums in Iraq.

A statement of the ministry received the agency {Euphrates News} a copy of him that Abtan "presented his thanks and appreciation to the Committee on Economic Affairs Ministerial, to facilitate the work of the Ministry in the completion of stadiums in Baghdad and the provinces." 
And Abtan, that "the approvals issued by the Committee of Economic Affairs Ministerial will contribute to speed up the completion of the playgrounds of Habibiyah and Thi Qar capacity of 30 thousand spectators by authorizing the ministry to negotiate with the companies to complete the two stadiums and contract with the appropriate company to complete the implementation of the projects." 
He pointed out that "the completion of a number of projects football stadiums important in Baghdad and the provinces will represent a significant jump in the position of Iraq between countries." 
He called on the Minister of Youth and Sports, the Committee on Economic Affairs to "take appropriate measures to enable the ministry to complete the Baghdad International Stadium in the Tajiyat area of 65 thousand spectators, and the stadium Amo Baba capacity of 30 thousand spectators."

[yota691]

FIFA to lift lifting of the embargo on Iraq on the agenda of its expected implementation

16:56 - 07/03/2018

  

Information / Baghdad ...

The Iraqi Football Federation announced on Tuesday the inclusion of FIVIA to raise the total urban of the Iraqi ball on the agenda of its expected in Colombia.

"FIFA officially listed the lifting of the total ban on Iraqi football on the agenda of its next meeting in Colombia on the 16th of this month," the statement said.

Iraq, eagerly awaiting FIFA's decision on March 16, is eager to see if it is satisfied with lifting the ban and hosting international matches.

Iraq succeeded earlier this month in hosting the Saudi team at the Palm Trunk Stadium in an evening that was described by observers as impressive and successful with 65 thousand spectators taking part in their support for Mesopotamia on the pitch and the winner of four goals.

[yota691]

Abtan is holding major public gatherings in case of lifting the ban

 

The editor Mohammed Khalil - Thursday 8 March

 

 

 

 

Alsumaria News / Baghdad , the Minister of Youth and Sports, Abdul - Hussein Abtan, the formation of a specialized committee to establish celebrations of a mass centralized in Baghdad courts and the provinces to celebrate the lifting of the total ban on Iraqi courts if approved at the forthcoming International Federation of Football meeting in Colombiain the sixteenth of this month.  Abtan said in a statement to the ministry received a copy of Alsumaria News, it is "necessary to evaluate the ministry in cooperation with the institutions concerned celebrations reflect the joy and joy of Iraq to achieve sports victory and lift the gap on the masses return to the establishment of official matches at home."     The Minister of Youth and Sports called on all Iraqi people in general and the sports public in particular to "participate in these celebrations and avoid any method of celebration that could cause harm to others such as the firing of bullets and other actions that are not suitable for the Sons of Iraq and its youth."  The statement said that "the formed committee will announce the details and dates and venues of the celebrations, which will be launched immediately after the official announcement of lifting the ban on football later."

[TOMINVEGAS]

https://www.google.com/amp/s/mobile.nytimes.com/2018/03/06/world/middleeast/iraq-soccer-saudi-arabia.amp.html

[TOMINVEGAS]

From The NY Times article......“The Saudi king told Mr. Abadi in a phone call on Monday that he would build a new soccer stadium for Iraq in Baghdad.”

 

That’s really great!!!!

[SocalDinar]

This is a sure sign of  worldwide event. Must be happening soon!  Even the Saudis are involved!!  GO RV  Come on Shabs push the button!!

 

 

 

 

Biggest football stadium in the WORLD with capacity of 135,000 will be built in Baghdad as a gift from Saudi Arabia's king after 4-1 victory for Iraq

• The pledge was  made as Saudi Arabia seeks closer ties with Iraq ahead of Iran
• It follows a warming of previously tense relations between Baghdad and Riyadh
• The offer came after Iraq's 4-1 defeat of Saudi Arabia in a friendly match
• Iraq did not play international soccer for years after the 1990 Kuwait invasion  

By ALASTAIR TANCRED FOR MAILONLINE

PUBLISHED: 13:22 EST, 9 March 2018 | UPDATED: 14:03 EST, 9 March 2018

 

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Saudi Arabia's King Salman has promised to build Iraq a football stadium in Baghdad capable of holding about 135,000 people and making it the biggest in the world.

The pledge is reported to have been made following a friendly match between the two countries last week.

The move reflects improving relations between the two countries, who have been at loggerheads for decades, starting with the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait in 1990.

 

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The new stadium was initially earmarked to hold 100,000 fans but Saudi Arabia is now reported to have given the go-ahead to increase its capacity to 135,000 people

 

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Saudi Arabia's players vie for the ball against Iraq's players during the international friendly football match between Iraq and Saudi Arabia at the Basra Sports city stadium in Basra on February 28, 2018

 

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A general view shows the Basra Stadium- it can hold about 65,000 fans but the new stadium in Baghdad will hold double that number

Saudi Arabia is wooing Iraq as part of an effort to restrict the growing regional influence of Iran, while Baghdad is seeking the economic benefits of closer ties with Riyadh.

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King Salman's offer was made in a telephone call to Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi on Monday, following Iraq's 4-1 defeat of Saudi Arabia in a friendly - the first between the two countries for nearly four decades.

'I have received a phone call from the King of Saudi Arabia, Salman bin Abdul Aziz,' al-Abadi said. 

'He hailed Iraqi's victory (in the friendly match between the two sides last week) and expressed his preparedness and commitment to expanding positive relations between Iraq and Saudi Arabia at different levels — economical, commercial, communal, cultural - at all levels that are of interest for the two countries.

'He also offered Saudi Arabia's contribution to build a main stadium in Iraq that accommodates 100,000 people. We have welcomed the initiative and it was proposed today to the Cabinet,' Arabnews.com reported him as saying. 

Al-Abadi said he has instructed his Cabinet to set up a task force to drive the build of the biggest stadium in Iraq, eclipsing the 65,000 venue at Basra Sports City.

 

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Iraqi supporters watch their team at a training session ahead of a home friendly against Saudi Arabia in Basra on February 28, 2018

 

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Iraq, which competed in the Gulf Cup of Nations in Kuwait City in January, hopes to convince FIFA to lift its ban on home competitive internationals

 

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Iraqi national football team players take part in a training session on February 27, 2018 in the city of Basra

 

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King Salman (right) is reaching out to Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi (right) in a bid to offset the influence of Iran (file picture)

'The Cabinet gave its directives to form a committee consisting of a group of key ministries concerned with this project,' Al-Abadi said.

'The committee will consist of the Cabinet's secretariat, the Ministry of Planning, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Ministry of Higher Education, which includes the Center of Urban and Regional Planning

'It will handle developing the general framework for establishing the stadium, which will be the main stadium. 100,000 people is not a small number. We must pick a suitable location in Baghdad along with the stadium's own additional facilities.

'The stadium will be established under the supervision and guidance of a higher Iraqi-Saudi coordinating council, which will specify the location and design in addition to following up on the project's progress. 

'The outcomes and progress of the committee's work will be presented to the Cabinet.' 

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King Salman was later reported to have promised to increase the stadium's capacity to 135,000 - more than double the current largest stadium in the country - located at Basra Sports City.

Iraq has not hosted competitive international football matches for most of the last 30 years – ever since its 1990 invasion of Kuwait triggered an embargo. It was lifted briefly in 2012, but a power outage during a match against Jordan in the Iraqi Kurdish capital of Erbil led Fifa to reinstate it. Fifa will decide whether to lift the ban later in March,thenational.ae reported.   

Iraq - despite being massive underdogs - won the clash on 28 February thanks to two goals from Muhanad Ali, one from Emad Mohsin Majeed and a Saeed Awadh Al Yami own goal. But it is Saudi Arabia who have qualified for this summer's World Cup in Russia - while Iraq missed out.

 

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5483295/Saudi-Arabia-offers-build-biggest-football-stadium-Iraq.html#ixzz59Ie7mrjQ 
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook

 

 

[3n1]

man o man , hey why dont we just build you guys the largest soccer stadium in the world ,no problem free and clear .. 

[Butifldrm]

World's Biggest Football Stadium Set to Be Built 'For Free' in Iraq With Reported 135,000 Capacity

 

 

 

By 90MIN 

March 10, 2018

It's always nice when someone does you a favour. That generous bloke down the supermarket lending you a pound for the trolley, your next door neighbour offering to clear the snow from your drive, a Saudi Arabian king promising to build you a 135,000-seater football stadium. 

You know, the little things. 

 

 

Siham Alawami@SihamAlawami

 

I have seen the passion for football in Iraq, although it was raining all came walking to the stadium to cheer for their teams. @savethedream works with local NGOs to save the Dream of millions of youth in Iraq.

3:26 PM - Feb 28, 2018 · Iraq

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Although, while the odd quid or a bit of manual labour is quite a small, but generous, gesture, a member of another country's royal family willing to gift you the biggest ground in the world is not an everyday occurrence.  

However, according to Arabnews.com, that is precisely what has happened to the Iraq football association, who this week, following their recent 4-1 friendly win over Saudi Arabia, have been afforded the opportunity to house a 135,000-seater stadium within Baghdad after King Salman offered to foot the bill. 

 

 

Soccer Iraq@SoccerIraq

 

What. An. Atmosphere.

65,000 fans packed inside the Basra Stadium for an international friendly! Here they are belting out the #Iraq national anthem. Goosebumps. #IRQvKSA
 

1:59 PM - Feb 28, 2018

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"I have received a phone call from the King of Saudi Arabia, Salman bin Abdul Aziz", Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi said.

"He hailed Iraqi's victory (in the friendly match between the two sides last week) and expressed his preparedness and commitment to expanding positive relations between Iraq and Saudi Arabia at different levels - economical, commercial, communal, cultural - at all levels that are of interest for the two countries.

"He also offered Saudi Arabia's contribution to build a main stadium in Iraq that accommodates 100,000 people. We have welcomed the initiative and it was proposed today to the Cabinet." 

6 Mar

Soccer Iraq@SoccerIraq

King Salman of Saudi Arabia was thrilled with how the friendly match went in Basra, so much so, that he wants to gift #Iraq with another new stadium.

Amazing gesture! pic.twitter.com/pbKtpED0s9

 

Soccer Iraq@SoccerIraq

 

100,000 seat-stadium in Baghdad!

Here's what @HaiderAlAbadi had to say about the offer from Saudi Arabia during his weekly press conference.

[: @IraqiPMO] pic.twitter.com/ItzM2X76OQ

5:13 PM - Mar 6, 2018

 

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According to The Daily Mail, Baghdad is seeking the economic benefits of closer ties with Riyadh.

Cue the line of countries now trying to organise a friendly with Saudi Arabia. 

https://www.si.com/soccer/2018/03/10/worlds-biggest-football-stadium-set-be-built-free-iraq-reported-135000-capacity

[gregp]

Absolutely amazing!!