ALL the speculations have been put to rest with the Yemen being confirmed as the hosts of the 20th Gulf Cup
to be organised in 2010 It was announced yesterday by the heads of the all six GCC football associations and that of Iraq and Yemen follow a meeting at the Al Bustan Palace Hotel. Doubts have been raised over Yemen's ability to host the region's prestigious soccer tournament in two years time as the main stadium that would host the games is still under construction. There was a speculation that, the venue would be shifted to Bahrain.
But the officials of all eight associations, after yesterday's meetings, put all the speculations to rest unanimously agreeing to Yemen hosting the event in 2010. In the meeting it was also confirmed that Iraq will host the Gulf Cup in 2012. "There is no doubt, Yemen will be the host of next Gulf Cup and Iraq will host the Gulf Cup in 2012," informed Sayyid Khalid al Busaidy, chairman of Oman Football Association (OFA) while briefing the media about the outcome of the meeting at the Quriyat Lounge of Al Bustan Palace hotel yesterday.Asked as to why there was an issue over the venue, Khalid said: "There was a doubt if Yemen could host or not. But Yemen has promised us that they are ready to host the next edition. But incase if there is an emergency, the venue would be shifted to Bahrain," Sayyid Khalid noted.Sayyid Khalid said that there was also a proposal to improve the permanent logo of the Gulf Cup, developing the Gulf Cup Championships and the meeting, also came into a conclusion not to organise the associated games like handball, basketball and volleyball from the next Gulf Cup onwards. Sayyid Khal id said all these agenda that were discussed in the meeting has been forwarded to the Gulf Cup technical committee for review. He added that the technical committee will be holding a meeting in Yemen coming April. The meeting hailed the performance of French referee Bernard Link who officiated during the Oman-Bahrain clash. Bernard has stood in 50 international matches as referee and over 200 European league games.