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Ikoli Victor
DOHA
Qatar is ready to stage the 23rd Arab Gulf Cup to be held in December and January, Arab Gulf Cup Football Federation (AGCFF) Secretary-General Jassim al Rumaihi said during the official draw in Doha on Monday.
The AGCFF chief said that preparations are under way by the organising committee to follow up on the latest steps, including the opening ceremony.
Rumaithi said the regional tournament would go ahead as scheduled despite no show from officials of Saudi Arabia, UAE and Bahrain at the draw ceremony.
"Qatar is ready to organise and host this tournament," he said.
"It will be clearer in the coming hours and the coming days."
"In the current situation, I hope we don't mix sport and politics," he added.
The official said that if Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Bahraini were abstain themselves, the tournament would be played on a round robin format.
He added that a final decision would be taken if there were only four teams available to play in the competition,"With regard to the absence of teams, if it continues for a certain period, it will be considered by the Executive Office and the General Assembly."
If some countries boycott the event, they could face fines and may also be ordered to compensate broadcasters, said Hamid al Shaibani, chairman of the competitions committee. He added adding that the 23rd edition is the first under the supervision of the Arab Gulf Cup Football Federation and all participant countries agreed upon the regulations.
As for the match schedules, Shaibani said it would be planned in coordination with the host nation Qatar and the sponsors.
Rumaihi expressed the hope that Kuwait would participate in the tournament.
If the FIFA suspension on them is lifted before the competition kicks off, Kuwait would be the fourth Group B team.
Hosts Qatar have been drawn with Iraq, Bahrain and Yemen in Group A after the draws for the 23rd Gulf Cup was held.
Saudi Arabia, Oman and United Arab Emirates were placed in the other group based on the latest FIFA rankings in September.
The competition is set to take place in Doha, from December 22, 2017 to January 5, 2018.
Qatar Football Association President Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al Thani and Qatar Olympic Committee Secretary General Dr Thani al Kuwari were among the top dignitaries present at the function along with the AGCFF officials.
During the ceremony, the new logo of the AGCFF was revealed, which emphasise s on unity and cohesion in the Gulf region. A video was also shown highlighting the historic tournament since its inception, and the most important goals and aspirations of the AGCFF.
Kuwait has been the most successful nation in the regional championship with 10 titles. Qatar are the defending champions, having defeated 2014 hosts Saudi Arabia 2-1 in Riyadh.
The championship was supposed to be staged last year in Kuwait after Iraq withdrew from hosting.
