Iraq is hosting the Arab Gulf Cup, in which Iraq, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates participate, after 44 years in the city of Basra.
A clash broke out between the security forces and the fans as some fans entered the Cedul Nahla Stadium, where the opening game was held, by passing through security barricades around the
Iraqi authorities granted visa exemption to fans from Gulf countries.