Prince Ali expresses thanks to Iraq Football Association for hosting successful tournament

AMMAN — HRH Prince Ali, president of the West Asian Football Federation (WAFF), on Sunday expressed his thanks to the Iraq Football Association for hosting the EarthLink 2nd WAFF U18 Boys Championship that was held in Basra, Erbil and Baghdad, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

According to WAFF, the prince sent a letter to the Iraqi Minister of Youth and Sports and President of the Iraqi Football Association Adnan Dirjal. 

Prince Ali pointed out that the tournament came as a confirmation by the WAFF to preserve the right of the Iraqi people to host championships on their land and to work to lift the ban on their stadiums.

The prince considered the regional, continental and international praise that the championship received as well as the ideal organisation and remarkable public attendance confirm Iraq’s ability to host matches and tournaments in accordance with international standards.

His Royal Highness congratulated the Iraqi team for winning the title.

A total of nine teams participated in the tournament, divided into two groups: The first included Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, Yemen and Palestine, who competed in Basra International Stadium.

The second group hosted by Erbil included Lebanon, Jordan, Syria and the UAE.