At least one person was killed and 60 injured in a stampede around a stadium in southern Iraq, as football fans flooded the area to watch their national team on Thursday.
The stampede took place near the Jaza’a Al Nakhla Stadium, where Iraq and Oman were expected to play in the Arabian Gulf Cup final.
After the stampede, Iraq’s interior ministry said that the stadium gates are now “closed” and that no more fans would be allowed to enter, reported the Iraqi News Agency.
Some of those injured were in critical condition, reported Iraqi News Agency.
Iraq faces Oman in the final of the Persian Gulf Cup held in Basra City.
Videos online showed huge crowds outside the stadium.
Two weeks ago, FIFA president Gianni Infantino attended the opening match of the 25th Persian Gulf Cup in Basra. Iraq is hosting the eight-team tournament for the first time since 1979.
A global media for the latest news, entertainment, music fashion, and more.
