Iraq FA chief Younis Mahmoud says Gulf Cup is not a ‘major tournament’

Younis Mahmoud has caused fresh controversy by saying the Arabian Gulf Cup is not a major competition, after Iraq were eliminated by Saudi Arabia.

The president of the Iraqi Football Federation faced an angry reaction after describing the tournament as important for its media profile but not significant enough for Iraq’s departure to be considered a crisis.

Mahmoud had already attracted attention during the previous edition of the competition for comments about Saudi Arabia’s chances. He later rejected criticism of the federation’s work following Iraq’s exit from the Gulf Cup.

Speaking to the media, the Iraq legend said: “Why should we apologise? The Gulf Cup is not the major tournament whose elimination represents a crisis for us. It is not a ‘wow’ tournament, despite its media importance.”

He added that Iraq’s principal objectives were the Asian Cup 2027 and the World Cup 2030.

“The most important things for us are the Asian Cup 2027 and the World Cup 2030,” Mahmoud said. “There is agreement that we should qualify for the World Cup consistently after reaching the previous edition.”

Mahmoud also said Iraq needed to narrow the gap with the leading sides in Asia, while accepting that progress would take time.

“We must keep pace with the biggest teams in Asia, such as Saudi Arabia and Iran, but we have to develop step by step,” he said.

Iraq were knocked out of the Gulf Cup after losing 2-0 to Saudi Arabia. They ultimately left the competition through an internal draw with Oman after the two teams finished level on every factor used to separate them.

The draw went in Oman’s favour, sending them through while Iraq, known as the Lions of Mesopotamia, were eliminated.