Al-Yousef: $500,000 for fan transportation

Kuwait Football Association President Sheikh Ahmed Al-Yousef affirmed that the national team, known as the Blue, is heading to Jeddah to compete for the title of “Gulf Cup 27,” stressing that the squad will fight to achieve results that meet the ambitions of the Kuwaiti public, given its status as the record holder for the most tournament wins. Al-Yousef stated that competition in the Gulf Cup has become more difficult, as all participating teams are aiming for the championship. He noted that the national team continues its preparations in Jeddah ahead of the tournament’s launch, expressing satisfaction with the work being done by the technical staff led by Portuguese manager Hélio Sousa.

He confirmed that Sousa’s contract with the national team will continue until the end of the 2027 Asian Cup, clarifying that any changes to the technical staff will not occur before the conclusion of the continental tournament, should the need arise. Al-Yousef praised the massive public turnout for the opening match against Saudi Arabia, emphasizing that the interest in the game reflects the Kuwaiti fans’ passion for the national team. He said, “We lost half a million dollars in revenue from transporting Kuwaiti fans, and I will request a fourth flight.”

This announcement coincided with the Federation’s provision of 160 additional flight tickets for fans, following the high demand for bookings for the match. Al-Yousef reiterated that “all Arabs are eager to witness the match between the Kuwaiti and Saudi teams,” hoping that the strong Kuwaiti fan presence would serve as motivation and support for the players on the field.

On the technical front, Al-Yousef explained that the coaching staff has learned from the lessons revealed during the recent Arab Cup participation, referring to the rotation of the squad. He added that the manager acknowledged not having 22 players at the same level, and therefore, a fixed starting lineup will be relied upon starting from the Saudi Arabia match, unless injuries force changes. He assured that stability will be present in the lineup throughout the tournament.

Al-Yousef also addressed the experimental match against Yemen, which the Blue lost 1-2, explaining that it was played under a different format. Both technical staffs agreed to play the match in four quarters of 20 minutes each, aiming to give the maximum number of players a chance and prepare them for the tournament.

Describing the Saudi Arabia match as having a special character, as it takes place on Saudi Arabia’s National Day, Al-Yousef expected it to attract widespread viewership across the Gulf, Arab, and Asian regions. He revealed that Kuwait will host two major sporting events in 2027, at the same level as events recently hosted by the country. He noted that discussions regarding hosting the Saudi Super Cup would take place after the conclusion of Gulf Cup 27.

Al-Yousef held a press conference yesterday at the St. Regis Hotel to announce the signing of sponsorship contracts for the national teams. Attendees included Diyan Al-Dayan, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors for Financial and Administrative Affairs; board members Dr. Ahmed Ajib and Nasser Al-Adwani; Secretary-General of the Federation Dr. Saleh Al-Majroub; Nawaf Al-Rifai, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Al-Nawadi Holding Group and General Manager of Platinum Company; Ali Al-Baghl, Director of Marketing and Public Relations at Al-Nawadi Holding Group; Abdullah Al-Mansour, Head of Corporate Affairs at Talabat; Amal Bu-Khamsin, Director of Communications, Public Relations, and Community Responsibility at Talabat; Khaled Al-Saeed, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors at Tazuz; and Samer Al-Hamra, CEO of Tazuz.