KUWAIT CITY, Aug 29: In response to what was published by Al-Seyassah in yesterday’s issue the acting head of the Football Association, Haif Al-Mutairi, announced that Kuwaiti authorities have permitted 200 Iraqi fans to enter the country to attend the upcoming match between Kuwait and Iraq on September 10. This match is part of the second round of Group Two in the third round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers for the United States, Canada, and Mexico. It was said earlier that these decisions could potentially lead to tensions between the two nations, especially after the governor of Iraq’s Basra city, Ahmed Al-Eidani, previously stated, “We will treat the fans in the same way.”

The Governor of Basra Ahmad Al-Aidani stated yesterday, “We will treat the Kuwaitis in the same way. If they do not allow our fans to enter Kuwait for the World Cup qualifiers, we will not allow Kuwaiti fans to enter Iraq.” During a press conference, Al- Aidani emphasized that Iraq had allowed Kuwaiti fans to attend and support their team during the “Gulf 25” tournament. He noted that the Iraqi and Kuwaiti sides would discuss this issue in the coming month. He added, “There is no justification for preventing Iraqi fans from attending matches in Kuwait to support their team, just like the fans of other teams. “If they are banned, we will reciprocate with Kuwaiti fans.”

Al-Aidani clarified, “We have no issue with Kuwaiti citizens crossing into Iraq,” reminding everyone of the Kuwaiti fans’ entry during the “Gulf 25” tournament and other religious events. Earlier, Haif Al-Mutairi, the acting Chairman of the Kuwait Football Association, met with Dr. Zaid Shanshul, an advisor at the Iraqi Embassy in Kuwait, at the Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium. The two sides discussed ways to enhance sports cooperation between the countries in the coming period. Informed sources told Al-Seyassah daily that if a solution to this issue is not reached, there could be future consequences, including the possibility of Iraq withdrawing from the “Gulf 26” tournament, which Kuwait is set to host in December.

By Khaled Al-Anzi
Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff