Kuwait Investigates Poor Organization of Kuwait-Iraq Match

The much-anticipated match between Kuwait's national football team and Iraq, held at Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium during the second round of Group Two of the 2026 World Cup Asian qualifiers, has sparked significant governmental concern. Despite the excitement surrounding the Blues’ first World Cup qualifier since 2006, the event was overshadowed by logistical failures and overcrowding issues that led to frustration among the fans.

Overcrowding at Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium

With over 60,000 spectators—exceeding the stadium’s official capacity—fans were eager to witness the action, but they faced immediate challenges. Thousands of attendees arrived at the stadium as early as five hours before kickoff, only to be met with disorganised entrances, overcrowded gates, and severe delays. As frustration grew, some spectators resorted to climbing fences to gain entry, while many others ended up watching the match standing due to lack of available seating.

Adding to the chaos, attendees were prohibited from bringing water into the stadium, despite the scorching temperatures and high humidity. This unfortunate restriction resulted in multiple cases of exhaustion and dehydration among the crowd, further tarnishing the event.

KFA officials suspended amid probes into incidents of Kuwait-Iraq match..

The #Kuwait Football Association (KFA) issued an apology to fans regarding the incidents that occurred during the Kuwait vs. Iraq match. In a statement, the KFA announced it had suspended the association's… pic.twitter.com/BtSM41kuej

— Ayman Mat News (@AymanMatNews) September 12, 2024

Governmental Response: Calls for Investigation

The poorly managed event raised concerns not only among fans but also within the government. Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi, the Minister of Information and Culture and Minister of State for Youth Affairs, expressed his concerns and called for an investigation. The Public Authority for Sports has been tasked with working alongside the Kuwait Football Association to determine the root causes of the disorganisation. Legal measures will be taken in accordance with regulations to address the lapses.

Preparing for Gulf 26: A Turning Point

The mishaps during the Kuwait vs Iraq match have also cast doubts on the country's ability to successfully host the upcoming Gulf 26 tournament, scheduled from December 21 to January 3. In response, Minister Al-Mutairi has committed to presenting a detailed organisational plan on October 7. This plan aims to ensure that future events, including Gulf 26, adhere to international standards and are managed more effectively to avoid the mistakes seen during the World Cup qualifier.

While the excitement of Kuwait’s World Cup journey is undeniable, the organisational failures during the Kuwait vs Iraq match serve as a wake-up call. As the country looks ahead to hosting future tournaments, including Gulf 26, the pressure is on to improve logistics, crowd management, and overall event planning. Fans are hopeful that these issues will be addressed, ensuring a smoother and more enjoyable experience in the future.