Sheikh Ahmad Al-Yousef with other officials.

KUWAIT CITY, Dec 24: The Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Kuwait Football Association, Sheikh Ahmad Al-Yousef, commended the exceptional efforts of those involved in organizing the "Khaleeji Zain 26", currently being held in Kuwait. He remarked, "The atmosphere of the tournament has been remarkable, thanks to the dedication of the Supreme Organizing Committee, which has worked tirelessly to overcome challenges and ensure an ideal sports and social experience for both the official delegations and the visiting fans in Kuwait."

Sheikh Ahmad Al-Yousef emphasized that the timing of the "Khaleeji Zain 26" was perfectly suited to accommodate everyone, highlighting the strong commitment of all participating teams, who have brought their best lineups to compete for the prestigious title.

Addressing the situation with the team, Sheikh Ahmad Al-Yousef explained, "We attempted to replace defender Hassan Hamdan after he was sidelined due to injury, but the tournament regulations prevented us from doing so. The rules stipulate that replacements must be finalized before the start of the first match for any team."

Looking ahead, Sheikh Ahmad Al-Yousef outlined plans for Kuwait following the tournament. He stated that the focus would shift to revitalizing the squad by integrating younger players to ensure a promising future for the team. He also expressed admiration for the vibrant attendance at tournament matches held at Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium and Jaber Al-Mubarak Stadium, as well as the camaraderie and unity displayed in the fan zones and public areas. "This highlights the importance of the Gulf Championships in fostering brotherhood and love among the peoples of the Arabian Gulf," he concluded.