The Islamic Republic of Iran Football Federation (IRIFF) will protest FIFA for using the �Arabian Gulf Cup� for the tournament.

The competition kicked off in Basra, Iraq Friday night.

The 25th edition of the biennial football tournament, which runs from Jan. 6 to 19, has brought teams from Iraq, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar and Yemen together.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino attended the ceremony at the Basra International Stadium.

�It was great to have attended the opening ceremony and the opening game of the 2023 Arabian Gulf Cup in Basra, Iraq between Iraq and Oman,� said the FIFA President.

IRIFF has criticized FIFA for using the name of �Arabian Gulf Cup� for the tournament via a post published on the federation�s website.

�The Persian Gulf is a historical name, which has been applied in all languages and various atlases, including ancient and historical maps,� the statement reads.

 

 

By TEHRAN TIMES