Erbil – Media Center
Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, hosted today the official press conference for the 2025 Women’s Minifootball World Cup, welcoming a large presence of local and international media, representatives of the participating teams, and prominent sporting figures. The event highlighted the city’s full readiness to host this global tournament for the first time in Iraq’s history.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Serdar Ismail, Director General of Sports in the Kurdistan Region, expressed his pride in the achievement:
“We are delighted to host such a significant tournament that marks a historic milestone for minifootball. It is an honor for Erbil, with its safety, stability, and remarkable development, to serve as the host city. We extend our gratitude to the Kurdistan Regional Government, led by Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, for their unwavering support of sports and athletes. We warmly welcome all participating teams, as well as Dr. Mohammed Al-Dosari, President of the International Minifootball Federation, and his accompanying delegation. We are confident this edition will excel both organizationally and technically.”
Mr. Ismail further emphasized that hosting such international events sends a strong message to the world that Erbil is fully capable of organizing sports tournaments on par with major global capitals. He added that the championship will showcase the cultural and sporting face of the region.
For his part, Dr. Mohammed Al-Dosari, President of the International Minifootball Federation (IMF), voiced his satisfaction at being in Erbil:
“It gives me great joy to be here in this city, which has proven its ability to host global sporting events with outstanding organization and generous hospitality. On behalf of the IMF, I extend my gratitude to the Kurdistan Regional Government and to the organizing committee for their remarkable efforts. I am confident this edition will be a resounding success, featuring strong participation from distinguished teams, and will serve as a landmark moment in the global journey of women’s minifootball.”
Dr. Al-Dosari reaffirmed the IMF’s commitment to developing the women’s game and stressed that holding the World Cup in Erbil will provide new momentum for the sport both technically and in media visibility.
The press conference witnessed strong media coverage and public interest, with journalists and broadcasters highlighting Erbil’s emergence as a new regional sporting capital for minifootball. Organizers reassured participating teams about all logistical and operational arrangements, ensuring a seamless experience in accommodation, transportation, and match facilities in line with international standards.
The conference comes just hours before the grand opening ceremony at Cihan University Stadium in Erbil, followed by the much-anticipated opening match between Iraq and Jordan in Group A.
