KUWAIT: The Arab Gulf Cup Football Federation reached an agreement with Zain Group to be the official sponsor of the 25th Arabian Gulf Cup, which will now be renamed 'Khaleeji Zain 25'. Iraqi authorities have also rescinded visa requirements for Kuwaiti citizens traveling to Iraq to attend matches of the championship in Basra between Jan 6-19, the Kuwaiti Consulate in Basra said Thursday.
Kuwaiti citizens' vehicles will also be relieved of customs, taxes or insurance duties during the period of the tournament, the consulate said in a statement. However, it underlined that they should follow security instructions and guidelines of Iraqi authorities. Meanwhile, the Kuwaiti football team arrived in Basra on Thursday for a friendly match with the Iraqi team on Friday, in preparation for the upcoming Gulf tournament.
Iraq Football Association said in a statement association member Rahim Laftah received the Kuwaiti players who arrived at their hotel in Basra. The Kuwaiti team will play against Iraq at Al-Minaa Olympic Stadium, which will host some of the matches of the Gulf championship. Ahmad Al-Musawi, a member of the Iraqi association and head of the Gulf 25 media committee, told KUNA the Kuwaiti players will depart Basra after the match and return on Jan 4, two days before the Gulf tournament kicks off. - Agencies