Iraq’s Basra gets business boost from football
Earlier this month world governing body Fifa finally lifted its prohibition on Iraq hosting competitive internationals - sparking jubilation in the violence-wracked nation. The news was especially welcome for businesses in Basra, one of three locations now allowed to stage the matches along with holy city Karbala and Kurdish capital Arbil. The southern city lies […]Earlier this month world governing body Fifa finally lifted its prohibition on Iraq hosting competitive internationals - sparking jubilation in the violence-wracked nation.
The news was especially welcome for businesses in Basra, one of three locations now allowed to stage the matches along with holy city Karbala and Kurdish capital Arbil.
The southern city lies at the heart of a key oil-producing region but it is now looking to kick start its tourism sector - and hoping football could help turn it into a winner.
