Saudi Arabia beat Kuwait as Infantino calls for respect at Gulf Cup opener
Saudi Arabia opened the 27th Arabian Gulf Cup with a 1-0 win over Kuwait in Jeddah, while FIFA president Gianni Infantino used the tournament’s launch to press for respectful dialogue over proposed changes to world football’s governance.
Opening day in Jeddah
- The regional competition began on Wednesday, with the opening coinciding with Saudi National Day celebrations.
- Iraq and Oman played out a 1-1 draw at Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Sports City Stadium in the first fixture.
- Hosts Saudi Arabia then beat Kuwait 1-0 at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium.
Jeddah is staging the Arabian Gulf Cup for the first time. Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen make up the eight-team field.
Infantino calls for consultation
Infantino attended the opening matches and said FIFA’s proposed structural reforms must be discussed constructively by all 211 member associations.
He said football needs “dialogue, listening and mutual respect”, insisting the process is not intended to create favourable publicity but to serve the game’s interests. The FIFA president added that he remains committed to hearing ideas on how football can expand for people everywhere.
Infantino said encouraging responses to the reform proposals had already arrived from across the world. The plans were set out in a letter sent to FIFA Council members.
“It was a pleasure to watch an opening match of this tournament, particularly with the Arabian Gulf Cup being held in Jeddah for the first time,” he said.
Next steps
- The FIFA Council will meet next month to examine responses and suggestions submitted by member associations from every continent.
- Organisers will continue the Gulf Cup programme in Jeddah as the eight sides compete for the title.
Infantino thanked Gulf Football Federation president Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al-Thani, the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, its president Bader bin Sulaiman Al-Reztiza, Makkah Region deputy governor Prince Saud Bin Mishaal Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi sports minister Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal and FIFA Council member Yasser Al Misehal. He also wished the competing teams well ahead of the remaining matches.
