DOHA: The deadline to announce if the Qatar-hosted Gulf Cup will take place amid an ongoing regional political crisis has been pushed back, a top official said yesterday.
The final decision, which was originally slated for Nov. 30, will now be made early next week following a meeting on Monday — just 18 days before the tournament is scheduled to start — Jassim Al-Rumaihi, Arab Gulf Cup Football Federation (AGCFF) general secretary, told AFP.
“We wait until Monday for a final decision on this matter,” Rumaihi said.
Despite the desperate attempts of AGCFF officials, it looks increasingly likely that the competition will become the first high-profile sporting victim of the political uncertainties surrounding Qatar and its neighbors.
Major doubts have hung over the competition because of a bitter dispute involving Qatar and its neighbors, including Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Bahrain.
The crisis erupted on June 5 when Qatar was politically and economically isolated by a quartet of neighboring countries over its alleged support for terrorist groups and warming relations with Saudi Arabia’s great regional rival, Shiite-dominated Iran.
Qatar denies the allegations.
Last month, Saudi Arabia, UAE and Bahrain were withdrawn from the eight-team tournament after failing to respond to a written invitation to take part.
The slim chance that the Gulf Cup will go ahead rests with Kuwait. Although Kuwait is not part of the political dispute — it has acted as a regional mediator since the crisis began — its football association has its own separate problems and remains suspended by FIFA, which means it is unclear if its team is eligible to play in the tournament.
The AGCFF, based in Doha, have said they would go ahead with a five-team tournament.
If the Gulf Cup begins on Dec. 22 it will be played between Qatar, Iraq, Oman, Kuwait and Yemen. Qatar are the current holders.
Usually played every two years, the Gulf Cup was originally meant to be hosted by Kuwait in 2016 but was moved to Qatar because of the FIFA ban.
Any cancelation of the Gulf Cup could cause embarrassment to Qatar, as it continues its $500 million-a-week preparations for the 2022 World Cup, and serve as a warning to the political uncertainties surrounding its staging of the World Cup.
Gulf Cup deadline pushed back over Qatar crisis
Gulf Cup deadline pushed back over Qatar crisis
Real Madrid lose second straight match and miss chance to close gap on Liga leader Barcelona
- Getafe held on to secure a historic win, its first at the Santiago Bernabeu since 2008, and a vital three points in its bid to stay in La Liga
MADRID: Real Madrid lost a second straight La Liga match when a stunning volley from Martín Satriano gave Getafe a shock 1-0 win at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium on Monday.
The result prevented the capital club from cutting the four-point gap to leader Barcelona.
Getafe had lost all eight of its previous league encounters with Real Madrid and early saves from goalkeeper David Soria kept it from falling behind.
Soria turned over a shot from Arda Güler midway through the first half, not long after frustrating Vinicius Junior when he was through on goal.
Madrid had more of the ball but lacked punch up front and it paid a price for its profligacy six minutes before halftime when Getafe took the lead.
A hopeful cross from the right was headed clear but it fell to the feet of Satriano, who volleyed into the roof of the net from 20 meters out.
It was the second goal in three games for the Uruguayan, who joined on loan from Lyon during the last transfer window.
Madrid continued to dominate possession in the second half and Antonio Rüdiger and substitute Rodrygo were among those who came close to grabbing an equalizer.
But it could not find a way past Getafe’s stuffy rearguard and an in-form Soria.
Madrid’s task became even harder when Franco Mastantuono was sent off for dissent in stoppage time and although the numbers were evened up in the last minute when Getafe’s Adrian Liso was also shown a red card it came too late to make any impact.
Getafe held on to secure a historic win, its first at the Santiago Bernabeu since 2008, and a vital three points in its bid to stay in La Liga.
“Coming here is always very difficult,” Getafe defender Kiko Femenía told broadcaster DAZN. “We have to congratulate the team, we did a superb job at the back and we scored when had the chance. We might even have scored more on the counterattack.”
They jumped three league places into 11th and were eight points above the relegation zone.
