At least one person has died and dozens were injured outside the football stadium in Basra, Iraq, which will host the Gulf Cup final on Thursday, medical and police sources said.
Look: One person has died and “dozens” have been injured in a stampede outside a stadium #Iraq on Thursday where the Gulf Cup final is played.#GulfCup #basrahttps://t.co/LRloPis00L pic.twitter.com/U1PYa5qEBb
– Al Arabiya English (@AlArabiya_Eng) January 19, 2023
Thousands of ticketless supporters tried to force the gates of the stadium in the southern city of Iraq in an attempt to watch the match between the Iraqi team and the Omani team, scheduled for 7 p.m. (4 p.m. in Lisbon).
“There is one dead and dozens slightly injured,” said a medical source who asked for anonymity.
An Iraqi Interior Ministry official confirmed the balance, explaining “many people were trampled” due to the excessive number of supporters, especially ticketless people who had gathered outside the stadium since the early hours of the morning.
According to an Agence France Press photographer who is located inside the sports complex, the gates were closed when the crowd pushed in.
According to the same reporter, the sirens were heard from many ambulances sent to the scene.
▪️Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani Holds Urgent Meeting With Security Official For Rush For Iraq – Oman Arabian Gulf Cup Final.
#كاس_الخليج_العربي_25 #Iraq #GulfCup2023 pic.twitter.com/W0oJ7t4SlJ
– Daily Middle East (@middleeast_daily) January 19, 2023
Iraq, a country plagued by conflict and sanctions for decades, has committed to hosting the 25th Football Gulf Cup.
The last time the country hosted the Gulf Cup was in 1979.
Still, the first logistical problems marked the opening ceremony two weeks ago, when thousands of people with tickets tried to enter the stadium, which was already packed with people without official entry.
The tournament brings together eight countries: Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Yemen and the United Arab Emirates.
The final is scheduled for next Thursday.
Source: DN
