Iraq said on Wednesday it is ready to host the 2015 Gulf Cup of Nations, with new facilities almost ready for the first football tournament to be held in the country since the US-led invasion in 2003.
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The 2013 tournament, currently being held in Manama, was scheduled to take place in the southern Iraqi city of Basra. It was moved due to security concerns but Iraqis said the decision was politically motivated.
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'' Security and safety will be ensured '', Essam-al-Diwan, deputy sports minister, said in Manama. '' We will work on organising the best Gulf Cup tournament ever to be held. We trust our brothers in the Gulf will back us, and we got support promises from heads of sport federations '', he added.
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Al-Diwan said the new Sports City in Barsa will be inaugurated in March, along with six hotels to accommodate teams and visitors.