Stampede Outside Stadium in Iraq Kills 2, Injures Dozens

This aerial view taken on January 16, 2023 shows Iraq supporters gathering in a designated fan zone in Iraq's southern city on to watch the Arabian Gulf Cup semi-final football match between Iraq and Qatar. (Photo by Hussein FALEH / AFP)
This aerial view taken on January 16, 2023 shows Iraq supporters gathering in a designated fan zone in Iraq's southern city on to watch the Arabian Gulf Cup semi-final football match between Iraq and Qatar. (Photo by Hussein FALEH / AFP)
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Stampede Outside Stadium in Iraq Kills 2, Injures Dozens

This aerial view taken on January 16, 2023 shows Iraq supporters gathering in a designated fan zone in Iraq's southern city on to watch the Arabian Gulf Cup semi-final football match between Iraq and Qatar. (Photo by Hussein FALEH / AFP)
This aerial view taken on January 16, 2023 shows Iraq supporters gathering in a designated fan zone in Iraq's southern city on to watch the Arabian Gulf Cup semi-final football match between Iraq and Qatar. (Photo by Hussein FALEH / AFP)

A stampede outside a stadium in the southern Iraqi city of Basra killed at least two people and injured dozens Thursday.

The Iraqi News Agency said one person was killed and 60 people were injured outside the Basra International Stadium. Some of them are in critical condition.

A doctor at Basra General Hospital told The Associated Press that two people were killed and 38 were injured, some of whom have been discharged from the hospital.

The deadly incident happened as spectators gathered to attend the final match in the first international soccer tournament held in the country in four decades.

The final match in the eight-nation Arabian Gulf Cup is scheduled to be held later Thursday between Iraq and Oman.

But the Arab Gulf Cup Football Federation is considering postponing the final match or moving it to another country if the security situation does not improve, Basra governor Asaad Abdel Amir told Reuters.

The tournament started on Jan. 6, with teams from the six Gulf Cooperation Council countries — Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates — as well as Yemen and Iraq. It’s the first time since 1979 that Iraq has hosted the tournament.



Australia's A-League to Have Ramadan Breaks again this Season

An Australian flag is pictured at its embassy in Beijing, China January 24, 2019. REUTERS/Jason Lee
An Australian flag is pictured at its embassy in Beijing, China January 24, 2019. REUTERS/Jason Lee
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Australia's A-League to Have Ramadan Breaks again this Season

An Australian flag is pictured at its embassy in Beijing, China January 24, 2019. REUTERS/Jason Lee
An Australian flag is pictured at its embassy in Beijing, China January 24, 2019. REUTERS/Jason Lee

Australia's A-League will this season again allow a 90-second pause in play for Muslim players to break their fast during the month of Ramadan if evening matches are being played over sunset.

Practising Muslim adults do not eat or drink from dawn to sunset during the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, presenting obvious challenges to professional athletes.

Sydney FC's Morroco under-23 international Anas Ouahim said the initiative, introduced by the A-League last season, was very important to Muslim players.

"It's definitely challenging. Some jobs are more physically demanding than others, and as a footballer, you do need food and water to perform at your best," the midfielder said in an A-League media release, Reuters reported.
"When you don't drink or eat for so long, breaking your fast on time is crucial -- it helps you hydrate, maybe have a date or something small to regain energy."

With Ramadan having started in Australia on Thursday night, Ouahim will be able to avail himself of the break when the ball goes out of play after sunset if he is selected for Sydney FC's match against Macarthur on Saturday.

"Especially for professional athletes, having that opportunity is really beneficial," the German-born former FC Koln player added.

"It allows me to practice my religion while still playing the sport I love, and I've found a balance that works well."