It was supposed to be a key moment for Kuwaiti football — a chance to shine on the road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Instead, the World Cup qualifier between Kuwait and Iraq ended in a goalless draw, and not just because of that result but also because of the chaos, scandal, and ultimately the mass resignation of the entire board of the Kuwait Football Association (FA). The resignation came after widespread mismanagement of the match, with logistical failures leaving fans dehydrated and angry and the country’s football governance in tatters.
The Match and Logistical Failures
The eagerly awaited Kuwait vs Iraq match between football fans, bettors, and bookmakers, held on September 10, 2024, at the Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium, was marred by a series of organizational problems. Over 60,000 fans attended the game, but instead of enjoying a high-energy competition, they found themselves struggling to cope with temperatures exceeding 40°C (104°F). In an incident that sparked the mass resignations, many fans fainted due to the lack of water and basic accommodations. These conditions were not just uncomfortable—they were dangerous.
“Kuwaiti fans were left exposed to extreme heat for hours without proper access to water,” one source reported. This neglect led to mass criticism of the Kuwait FA, with the association facing blame for mismanaging the event. The FA’s failure to organize ticket distribution and seating effectively only added to the frustrations of the fans. Reports indicated that many ticket holders were turned away at the gates despite holding valid tickets.
The chaos was not limited to the fans in the stands. According to various reports, players and officials also experienced logistical mishaps during the event. One official described the situation as “a logistical nightmare,” with mismanagement affecting every part of the game. This level of unpreparedness sparked outrage among both spectators and officials, which quickly became a national scandal.
The Fallout: Mass Resignation
Facing overwhelming public backlash, the entire board of the Kuwait Football Association tendered their resignations. This included prominent figures like the FA’s Secretary-General Salah al-Qanai and Public Relations Director Mohamed Bou Abbas, who were both suspended before their resignations were accepted.
In a public statement, the FA board expressed its regret over the incident. “ Kuwaiti fans are our source of pride and honor. We thank you for your support since we assumed the responsibility of managing the Kuwait Football Association.” The board described the problems during the Iraq match as unacceptable, and its members took full responsibility. The FA also announced an internal investigation into the incident, but by then, the damage had already been done. The board’s mass resignation marked one of the most dramatic moments in the history of Kuwaiti football.
Historical Significance of the Match
The Kuwait-Iraq World Cup qualifier was more than just another game—it was a key match in Kuwait’s journey toward the 2026 FIFA World Cup. With football being the most popular sport in both Kuwait and Iraq, this match carried a lot of weight for both nations. Fans on both sides were eager to see their teams succeed on the global stage.
Kuwaiti football holds a special place in the hearts of the nation’s people. Historically, the sport has been a source of national pride, with Kuwait having previously won the Asian Cup in 1980. The national team also qualified for the World Cup in 1982, making Kuwait one of the first Gulf countries to do so. However, the team’s performance and organizational competence have faltered in recent years, and the match against Iraq was seen as a pivotal moment to reignite the nation’s football dreams.
The match ended in a 0-0 draw. Kuwait finds itself in a precarious position in the tournament. Iraq currently leads Group B of the Asian Football Confederation’s qualifying matches, while Kuwait, with a draw and earlier struggles in the qualifiers, faces an uphill battle to stay competitive in the race for the 2026 World Cup.
This match, beyond the scandal, also held historical significance as it marked the first time in over three decades that Iraqi fans were allowed into Kuwait for a football match since the Gulf War. Despite the football diplomacy at play, the event’s mismanagement has drawn attention away from the game’s potential for positive regional relations.
This World Cup campaign has coincided with a growing interest in local football betting markets across Kuwait and other Gulf countries, where the excitement around such high-stakes qualifiers is driving more engagement in online sports betting platforms. The 0-0 result, while technically not disastrous for Kuwait, did little to improve their standing in the qualifiers, which remains challenging after several mixed performances
Looking Forward: What’s Next for Kuwaiti Football?
With the FA board now dissolved, the immediate focus is on electing new leadership. According to reports, an extraordinary general assembly will be held to elect a new board tasked with restoring the FA’s reputation and ensuring that such incidents do not occur again. This new leadership will need to prioritize rebuilding trust among fans and improving the FA’s organizational standards.
However, the impact of this scandal may extend far beyond the Kuwait Football Association. The country’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup are now uncertain as the FA scrambles to recover from the chaos. Fans have expressed concerns about the team’s ability to perform on the world stage with such instability in the organization.
Looking ahead, Kuwaiti football needs a fresh start. The new FA leadership will have to address the operational failures that led to this scandal and ensure that future matches are organized in a way that prioritizes fan safety and experience. Rebuilding the FA’s reputation will be no easy task, but it is essential if Kuwait hopes to regain its standing in the world of football.
Conclusion
The mass resignation of the Kuwait Football Association board following the logistical failures of the World Cup qualifier against Iraq marks a turning point in Kuwaiti football. What should have been a showcase of the nation’s sporting talent turned into a scandal that exposed deep flaws in the FA’s management. As Kuwait looks to the future, the focus must now shift to rebuilding both the FA and the national team’s reputation. The path ahead is uncertain, but one thing is clear: Kuwaiti football is in need of reform, and it starts with new leadership.
This match, once seen as an opportunity, will now be remembered for the crisis it caused, but with the right changes, Kuwaiti football can hopefully emerge stronger. Additionally, the growing interest in sports betting during high-stakes matches like these continues to rise across the Gulf region.
