The Iraq national football team emerged triumphant from the first match of the inaugural Middle East Peace Tour. Iraq beat Jordan 1-0 in Amman, with Mahdi Ajeil scoring in the 15th minute.
Around 10,000 spectators watched the game at the King Abdullah Stadium in Amman, Jordan. Prizes were awarded to Khalid Saad of Jordan for fair play and to Mahdi Ajeil of Iraq for outstanding performance. The Peace Tour is organised by global and regional digital leader LG Electronics, the official sponsor of both the Iraq national football team and the country’s Olympic team. The Iraqi Football Association signed the first commercial sponsorship agreement in its history with LG last year; the deal runs until 2006.
The Peace Tour kicked off in Jordan on Wednesday, June 8, and will visit cities around the region, with Iraq playing exhibition matches against the host national team. Egypt and the UAE are likely next stops, officials say, but the final schedule is still to be confirmed.
What is certain is that entrance to the games will be free to the public, who will enjoy a great opportunity to celebrate the gradual reemergence of football in Iraq.
“The regular LG Cup tournaments in the region are extremely popular, and so the Peace Tour makes perfect sense,” said Mr. K.H Kim, President, LG Electronics Middle East and Africa Operations. “The result against a respectable side like Jordan shows Iraq football is making solid progress, and the Peace Tour allows people to share the excitement of Iraq’s appearance back on the world football map.”
Football in Iraq has struggled for several years without the level of investment taken for granted elsewhere in the region. By sponsoring the team, LG is investing in training, facilities and equipment for players, and providing much-needed direct financial support.
Commenting on the team’s victory, IFA President Hussein Saeed said: “This is a great boost. We aim to build on these successes and take football in Iraq up another level. The help of LG Electronics plays a critical role.”
