Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, UAE ready for Gulf Cup

DubaI: Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the UAE have all confirmed their participation in the on-off 2017 Gulf Cup of Nations in Kuwait, Arab News reported.

The tournament, which was scheduled to be held in Doha, was shifted to Kuwait and will start on December 22.

The three countries had refused to confirm their participation in the tournament because it was due to be staged in Qatar.

An official announcement by the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) on Saturday confirmed their participation in the 23rd edition, following statements by Bahrain and the UAE, but spokesman Mohamed Al Shaikh told Arab News that it is still unclear whether a full-strength Saudi team will be sent to Kuwait.

The SAFF will meet with national team boss Juan Antonio Pizzi in Riyadh to decide the best course of action.

The biennial tournament has been held since 1970 with few interruptions, and is held in high regard by the local fans.