• Iraqi football fans wave their national flag as they celebrate the team's victory against Oman in Arbil, the capital of Iraq's northern autonomous Kurdish region. AFP
    Iraqi football fans wave their national flag as they celebrate the team's victory against Oman in Arbil, the capital of Iraq's northern autonomous Kurdish region. AFP
  • Iraq defeated Oman 3-2 to lift the 25th Arabian Gulf Cup on Thursday. Reuters
    Iraq defeated Oman 3-2 to lift the 25th Arabian Gulf Cup on Thursday. Reuters
  • Thousands of fans took to the streets after the match, waiving the Iraqi flag and dancing. AFP
    Thousands of fans took to the streets after the match, waiving the Iraqi flag and dancing. AFP
  • Outside the stadium and in Baghdad, fireworks lit up the night sky. AP
    Outside the stadium and in Baghdad, fireworks lit up the night sky. AP
  • The eight-team tournament kicked off on January 6. AP
    The eight-team tournament kicked off on January 6. AP
  • It brought together teams from Iraq, Yemen and the six GCC states — the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman and Qatar. AP
    It brought together teams from Iraq, Yemen and the six GCC states — the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman and Qatar. AP
  • Iraq was hosting the biennial regional competition for the first time in more than four decades. AP
    Iraq was hosting the biennial regional competition for the first time in more than four decades. AP
  • A youth waves an Iraqi flag while sitting on top of a moving vehicle in Baghdad during celebrations. AFP
    A youth waves an Iraqi flag while sitting on top of a moving vehicle in Baghdad during celebrations. AFP
  • Iraq fans cheer their team on as they watch the match. Reuters
    Iraq fans cheer their team on as they watch the match. Reuters
  • Iraqi national football team players lift the trophy as they celebrate at the stadium in Basra. AP
    Iraqi national football team players lift the trophy as they celebrate at the stadium in Basra. AP

Iraq lift the Arabian Gulf Cup with victory over Oman


Sinan Mahmoud
  • English
  • Arabic

At least two people died and more than 60 were injured after a crush at Iraq's Basra International Stadium hours before the Gulf Cup final in which Iraq were crowned champions.

The match went ahead despite Iraq's state news agency confirming one person had died and 60 were injured, while provincial health authorities said a young female doctor had also died.

Hamza Ahmed, 26, from Baghdad, died after being caught up in the incident, his brother Omar told The National. He had been in Basra since the start of the tournament. His brother, cousin and friend were injured.

The Arab Gulf Football Federation announced the match would go ahead as scheduled, and Iraq lifted the trophy with a 3-2 victory over Oman after extra time.

The host nation opened the scoring through midfielder Ibrahim Bayesh after 24 minutes. But 10 minutes into stoppage time Omani midfielder Salaah Al Yahyaei levelled from the penalty spot, sending the match into extra time.

Midfielder Amjad Attwan put Iraq ahead again after 116 minutes with a penalty. Three minutes later, Omani striker Omar Al Malki levelled again with a header.

Iraqi defender Manaf Younis scored the winning goal two minutes into added time.

Thousands of fans had walked to the 65,000-capacity stadium on Thursday morning before the match, with many prevented from entering.

A video posted on social media, apparently from the scene, showed fans crying for help as others were pushed along by the moving crowd.

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.

They also opened nearby Al Minaa Stadium, which has a 30,000-seat capacity, for fans to watch the game on screens.

  • Iraqi football fans try to enter the Basra International Stadium, on Thursday. A stampede outside the stadium killed at least one person and injured several. AP
    Iraqi football fans try to enter the Basra International Stadium, on Thursday. A stampede outside the stadium killed at least one person and injured several. AP
  • An injured fan receives medical attention. Reuters
    An injured fan receives medical attention. Reuters
  • The stampede occurred outside the stadium as thousands of fans waited to watch the Arabian Gulf Cup final between Iraq and Oman. AP
    The stampede occurred outside the stadium as thousands of fans waited to watch the Arabian Gulf Cup final between Iraq and Oman. AP
  • Many of the fans had no tickets, authorities said.
    Many of the fans had no tickets, authorities said.
  • An injured football fan is carried into an emergency area at the stadium. AFP
    An injured football fan is carried into an emergency area at the stadium. AFP
  • Fans began arriving again in the afternoon as calm was restored, interior ministry spokesman Saad Maan was quoted as saying. AP
    Fans began arriving again in the afternoon as calm was restored, interior ministry spokesman Saad Maan was quoted as saying. AP
  • Injured football fans in an emergency area. AFP
    Injured football fans in an emergency area. AFP
  • Fans try to enter the stadium. AP
    Fans try to enter the stadium. AP
  • More than 60 were injured, officials said. AFP
    More than 60 were injured, officials said. AFP
  • Injured fans receiving treatment. AFP
    Injured fans receiving treatment. AFP
  • Fans attempt to enter the Basra International Stadium to watch the final. Reuters
    Fans attempt to enter the Basra International Stadium to watch the final. Reuters
  • Fans attempt to enter the ground to watch the final. Reuters
    Fans attempt to enter the ground to watch the final. Reuters
  • Fans attempt to enter the ground to watch the final. Reuters
    Fans attempt to enter the ground to watch the final. Reuters
  • Fans attempt to enter the ground to watch the final. Reuters
    Fans attempt to enter the ground to watch the final. Reuters
  • Iraq's supporters take their seats early in the day for the evening's final against Oman. AFP
    Iraq's supporters take their seats early in the day for the evening's final against Oman. AFP
  • Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al Sudani has travelled to Basra and met organisers to discuss the incident. AFP
    Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al Sudani has travelled to Basra and met organisers to discuss the incident. AFP
  • The Iraqi Interior Ministry is asking the public to celebrate in a 'civilised way', without celebratory gunfire. It has said it will arrest those who shoot into the air. AFP
    The Iraqi Interior Ministry is asking the public to celebrate in a 'civilised way', without celebratory gunfire. It has said it will arrest those who shoot into the air. AFP
  • Iraq beat Qatar 2-1 and Oman beat Bahrain 1-0 to set up the final match of the tournament. AFP
    Iraq beat Qatar 2-1 and Oman beat Bahrain 1-0 to set up the final match of the tournament. AFP

Calm soon returned to the area.

“After consultations with concerned parties in sultanate of Oman and to ensure the safety of the Omani citizens, and as a support to the brothers in the Republic of Iraq to make the final match a success, it has been decided to bring back fans who are still at Basra International Airport,” the Oman Football Federation said earlier.

It urged Omani fans still outside the stadium not to enter, but later it allowed fans to head to the stadium after securing their seats.

Meanwhile, Oman Air cancelled at least one flight to Basra.

The deadly incident came hours after the Governor of Basra, Asaad Al Eidani, called on fans not to gather outside the stadium, especially those without tickets.

“This could lead to a stampede and [the] perfect image of our country, hosting this event, could be tarnished only a few hours before the final ceremony,” Mr Al Eidani said late on Wednesday.

Hamza Ahmed, 26, from Baghdad, who died in the crush outside Basra International Stadium. Photo: Supplied
Hamza Ahmed, 26, from Baghdad, who died in the crush outside Basra International Stadium. Photo: Supplied

“We call upon you to abide to security forces guidelines to ensure the safety of the citizens,” he said, adding that dozens of big screens had been set up around the city for those without tickets.

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al Sudani has travelled to Basra and met organisers to discuss the incident.

Mr Al Eidani warned fans that the Arab Gulf Cup Football Federation may be forced to move the match to another venue outside Iraq if measures were not taken to stop such incidents, prompting many of them to withdraw.

At the end of the match, Iraqi players hugged each other as they cried.

The fans shouted: "Long live Iraq" and "Oh Iraq, we are ready to sacrifice ourselves for you."

Outside the stadium and in Baghdad, fireworks lit up the sky while some shot into the air live ammunition despite warning from Iraqi Interior Ministry.

Thousands of fans poured on to the streets after the match, waiving Iraqi flag and dancing. Cars were honking in rhythmic succession as fans cheered: “Go, go the Lions of Mesopotamia.”

"That's not only a precious triumph, but a precious joy that we need so much and waited for a long time," Abbas Mohammed said, driving his car in a Baghdad street while hoisting the Iraqi flag.

"It's a bittersweet achievement," said Ali Yassir, standing near by.

"Unfortunately, the day started with a tragedy that made all of us sad. That trophy is for those who lost their lives or were wounded while trying to attend the match.

Mr Al Sudani congratulated the Iraq team.

“The cup is Iraqi,” he said. “We are proud of our lions.”

He also thanked those who were behind making the tournament a success.

The eight-team tournament kicked off on January 6, bringing together teams from Iraq, Yemen and the six Gulf Co-operation Council states — the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman and Qatar.

Iraq is hosting the biennial regional competition for the first time in more than four decades, after enduring wars, diplomatic isolation and instability after the 2003 US-led invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein.

Iraqis have celebrated the event as a triumph of sports diplomacy, part of continuing efforts to heal a political rift between their country and its Gulf neighbours, and recovery as a footballing nation.

They hoped hosting the event would turn a new page in the country's troubled history and represent a crucial step towards full national recovery, mainly by attracting sorely needed foreign investment.

Fifa banned Iraq from hosting international matches between 2003 and 2018, because of the poor security situation. It lifted the ban early last year.

Since late Wednesday, fans have flocked to Basra from other parts of Iraq, snarling traffic.

The local government in Basra announced an official holiday on Thursday in an attempt to clear the roads.

The Iraqi Interior Ministry is asking the public to celebrate in a “civilised way” and avoid celebratory gunfire. It has said it will arrest those who shoot into the air.

On Monday, Iraq beat Qatar 2-1 and hours later Oman beat Bahrain 1-0 to set up the final match of the tournament.

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Electric scooters: some rules to remember
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  • Solo riders only, no passengers allowed
  • Do not drive outside designated lanes
Five ways to get fit like Craig David (we tried for seven but ran out of time)

Start the week as you mean to go on. So get your training on strong on a Monday.

Train hard, but don’t take it all so seriously that it gets to the point where you’re not having fun and enjoying your friends and your family and going out for nice meals and doing that stuff.

Think about what you’re training or eating a certain way for — don’t, for example, get a six-pack to impress somebody else or lose weight to conform to society’s norms. It’s all nonsense.

Get your priorities right.

And last but not least, you should always, always chill on Sundays.

The biog

Favourite car: Ferrari

Likes the colour: Black

Best movie: Avatar

Academic qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in media production from the Higher Colleges of Technology and diploma in production from the New York Film Academy

Libya's Gold

UN Panel of Experts found regime secretly sold a fifth of the country's gold reserves. 

The panel’s 2017 report followed a trail to West Africa where large sums of cash and gold were hidden by Abdullah Al Senussi, Qaddafi’s former intelligence chief, in 2011.

Cases filled with cash that was said to amount to $560m in 100 dollar notes, that was kept by a group of Libyans in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.

A second stash was said to have been held in Accra, Ghana, inside boxes at the local offices of an international human rights organisation based in France.

What are NFTs?

Are non-fungible tokens a currency, asset, or a licensing instrument? Arnab Das, global market strategist EMEA at Invesco, says they are mix of all of three.

You can buy, hold and use NFTs just like US dollars and Bitcoins. “They can appreciate in value and even produce cash flows.”

However, while money is fungible, NFTs are not. “One Bitcoin, dollar, euro or dirham is largely indistinguishable from the next. Nothing ties a dollar bill to a particular owner, for example. Nor does it tie you to to any goods, services or assets you bought with that currency. In contrast, NFTs confer specific ownership,” Mr Das says.

This makes NFTs closer to a piece of intellectual property such as a work of art or licence, as you can claim royalties or profit by exchanging it at a higher value later, Mr Das says. “They could provide a sustainable income stream.”

This income will depend on future demand and use, which makes NFTs difficult to value. “However, there is a credible use case for many forms of intellectual property, notably art, songs, videos,” Mr Das says.

Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere

Director: Scott Cooper

Starring: Jeremy Allen White, Odessa Young, Jeremy Strong

Rating: 4/5

Youth YouTuber Programme

The programme will be presented over two weeks and will cover the following topics:

- Learning, scripting, storytelling and basic shots

- Master on-camera presence and advanced script writing

- Beating the algorithm and reaching your core audience

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Founders: Michele Ferrario, Nino Ulsamer and Freddy Lim
Started: established in 2016 and launched in July 2017
Based: Singapore, with offices in the UAE, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Thailand
Sector: FinTech, wealth management
Initial investment: $500,000 in seed round 1 in 2016; $2.2m in seed round 2 in 2017; $5m in series A round in 2018; $12m in series B round in 2019; $16m in series C round in 2020 and $25m in series D round in 2021
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Emergency

Director: Kangana Ranaut

Stars: Kangana Ranaut, Anupam Kher, Shreyas Talpade, Milind Soman, Mahima Chaudhry 

Rating: 2/5

Updated: January 20, 2023, 5:25 PM