FIFA chief praises AFC Asian Cup champions Iraq

President of world football’s governing body (FIFA) Sepp Blatter on Tuesday praised the AFC Asian Cup winning team of Iraq by saying they were proof of a “united football”.

“It was absolutely extraordinary. Exceptional. Most of the team players play inside the country during a belligerent situation. Iraq had to play the qualifying phase outside their country. This was very difficult for them.⬝

“They deserved to win. It’s good for football and their country,” said Blatter during Brazil’s presentation of their dossier for the 2014 World Cup in Zurich.

“I hope this will have a positive influence on the Iraqi nation.⬝

“The team comprised of all the relevant factions, Sunnis, Shias, Kurds, all together.⬝

“Football can unite. This shows how football can bring everybody together.”

Iraq became AFC Asian Cup champions for the first time with a stirring 1-0 win over Saudi Arabia in Jakarta on Sunday that was welcomed in Baghdad by barrages of gunfire.

AFP