Iraq Says It's Ready To Host 2015 Gulf Cup Of Nations

Iraq has revealed it is ready to host the 2015 Gulf Cup of Nations, with new facilities "almost ready for the first football tournament to be held in the country" since the U.S.-led invasion in '03, according to the GULF TIMES. The '13 tournament is currently being held in Manama, Bahrain but was initially scheduled to take place in the southern Iraqi city of Basra. It was moved due to security concerns, but Iraqis said that the decision was "politically motivated." Deputy Sports Minister Essam al-Diwan said, "Security and safety will be ensured." Al-Diwan said that the new Sports City in Basra will be inaugurated in March, "along with six hotels to accommodate teams and visitors" (GULF TIMES, 1/9).