In a press conference for the president of the Arabian Gulf Association, Al Shaikh Hamed: “Khaleji” 26 in Kuwait, December 2024.

His excellency held the press conference with the attendance of Sayed Jasim Sultan Al Runaihi the Secretary General of the Association and Al Sayid Ahmed Auda Al Mosawi the head of the Media Committee. His excellency thanked the Iraqi people, the Iraqi government and the Governor of Al Basra, Ali Hassan for the hospitality, he also thanked the Iraqi audience for the support shown for all teams as the number of the audience attending the matches was huge. His excellency confirmed that Iraq is breaking the records for a successful version of the Aabian Gulf championship and that the 25th version brought the joy to the Gulf Championship.
His excellency said that the Arabian Gulf Championships after Al Basra version will be different and exciting. He thanked the Gulf Associations representatives for their participation and congratulated the qualified teams.
His excellency extended his gratitude to all social media accounts that covered the championship in all aspects. Highlighting the positive role in presenting Iraq and its people’s generosity and hospitality.
He proceeded: “We thank Yemen team and we are working on including the Yemeni players in the Gulf leagues to contribute in the improvement of the Yemeni football.
He confirmed that the next championship will be held in Kuwait in December 2024 and the version 27 will be held also in Kuwait December 2025.
As his excellency explained there is a committee to study the suggestions for the potential of the championship improvements considering the importance of football.
Also, his excellency mentioned: “We will make sure that all teams are able to participate, Qatar didn’t participate with the first team because of the world cup and the Arabian Guld championship was postponed due to Asia Cup in Qatar. There are previous attempts to include the championship with the International Association of Football but it’s a difficult thing. However; we will try to find a suitable situation to include international players.”
His excellency continued: “We have many ideas when it comes to the age ranges and local teams, the committee is conducting a study and professional clubs league is going to be organized and we support Iraq in hosting important championships such as Asia Cup but of course not very soon.”