One dead, dozens injured in stampede before 25th Gulf Cup final

Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – One person was killed and 60 others were injured in a stampede before the 25^th Gulf Cup final match in the southern Iraqi city of Basra on Thursday, according to the Iraqi News Agency (INA).

The stampede took place near Basra International Stadium where the national teams of Iraq and Oman are scheduled to play their match at 6:00 p.m.

Thousands of fans walked to the 60 thousand capacity stadium on Thursday morning ahead of the Iraq-Oman match, but were prevented from entering, The National mentioned.

The person who died, a 26 years old man from Baghdad called Hamza Adnan Ahmed, had been in Basra since the beginning of the championship. His brother, cousin and friend were injured, The National explained.  

Authorities later opened the gates of the stadium to relieve the pressure, allowing ticket holders to enter. Later they closed all gates but one, which was kept open for Omani fans, The National clarified.

The authorities also opened the nearby Al-Menaa Olympic Stadium for fans to watch the game on screens, The National added.

The Iraqi Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, travelled to Basra, met the organizing committee to discuss the incident, and addressed the Iraqi fans in a speech.

“Our people in Basra, and in all the cities of Iraq, because of your kindness, generosity and patience, you reflected a bright image of the Iraqis. Over the past days, you represented our country in a way reflecting its history and its position among nations,” Al-Sudani said in a statement to the fans.

“Our people, we hope that you will be keen today, with that high patriotic spirit, to provide assistance and support to the authorities to let the 25^th Gulf Cup final match appear in the most beautiful way,” Al-Sudani added in his statement.

The governor of Basra also mentioned that if the stampede continues, the final match might be moved outside Iraq.