DOHA: In a landmark decision, the Gulf Football Federation (GFF) on
Saturday elected QFA President Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Bin Ahmad Al
Thani as its new chief.

The decision was announced following a meeting of regional football
chiefs who also voted Dr. Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita as GFF’s Vice
President.

The QFA President thanked GFF officials for their ‘support’ and
pledged ‘to work for the development of the sport in the region’.

“I know GFF has shown great confidence in me and I assure I will do my
best to take the game forward in this region,” Sheikh Hamad said on
Saturday.

It was also decided that Qatar will host the Gulf Cup either in
December 2017 or January 2018. It was the said the actual dates of the
most popular football tournament would be announced later.

Sheikh Hamad said GFF member nations have been urged to forward names
of officials who would form the Executive Committee of GFF.

During the meeting on Saturday, it was also decided to urge FIFA to
lift ban on Iraq.

The officials also decided to market and promote Gulf Cup with renewed
vigor of taking the event to all parts of the region.

New events like Gulf Champions League is also set to be included in
the football calendars across the region.