KUWAIT: Kuwait’s football federation has suspended one of its top officials and its PR chief over failings that left fans in sweltering temperatures for hours during a World Cup qualifier against Iraq. In a statement late Wednesday, the Kuwait Football Association expressed its "deep regret” for ticketing and other logistical problems that marred the game at the 60,000-capacity Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium on Tuesday.
It also said it would launch a probe into the shortcomings, which resulted in fans fainting in temperatures of over 40 degrees Celsius as they pleaded with staff for water, with videos of the incidents shared on social media. Ticketing problems also meant some fans without tickets were allowed in, while others who had purchased tickets were refused entry.
The federation said it had suspended its Secretary-General Salah Al-Qanai and Public Relations Director Mohamed Bou Abbas over the "unacceptable events”. "The KFA board will adopt all necessary legal measures against those responsible for the regrettable chaotic incidents. It will remain in session until the committee finalizes its probe and reports back to the board in the coming 48 hours,” the statement said.
Vowing to make public the results of the probe when complete, KFA thanked the fans for turning out for the game to support the national team and apologized for the inconvenience they encountered. The game, hosted by Kuwait, ended in a goalless draw. — Agencies