KUWAIT CITY, Feb 28, (KUNA): Kuwait’s apology for not being able to host the 23rd Gulf Cup is “final and irreversible,” Deputy Director of Sports Affairs at the Public Authority for Sport (PAS) Dr Humoud Fulaiteeh announced on Sunday. The final decision to not hold the Gulf soccer games was made by the Cabinet recently.

Fulaiteeh said in a press statement that the apology came after a decision made by the International Olympic Committee to suspend sports in Kuwait.

He added that Kuwait was fully ready to host this regional sporting event; all facilities were properly equipped and a budget was made to cover the expense of this grand event, nonetheless, the suspension decision prevented it from happening. He expressed his aspiration that all efforts to be made to help sports thrive, once again, in the country.

On October 19, the Cabinet approved Kuwait’s decision to turn down hosting the 23rd Gulf Cup under the instructions of the Minister of Information and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Sheikh Salman Sabah Salem Al-Humoud Al-Sabah, who made that call due to FIFA’s decision to ban Kuwait from participating in international soccer activities.