I am absolutely delighted by the decision announced today by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) that Erbil is cleared to host football matches. This means that the many enthusiastic football fans in Erbil and the rest of Iraq will soon be able to watch and enjoy top-quality international football competitions live in Erbil Stadium.

We are honoured by this decision and view it as a further expression of confidence in the security situation in the Kurdistan Region. Our security forces, police and citizens have all contributed to this security through their hard work and dedication. We look forward to hosting matches soon, and to showing the world that Erbil and the Kurdistan Region can be home to many exciting sports events in the future.

I thank the AFC for its decision, and look forward to our sports authorities working with the AFC to bring matches to Erbil in the very near future.

I would also like to congratulate Hawler FC, Erbil's football club, on winning the Iraqi Premier League championship for the third consecutive year."

Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani
Kurdistan Regional Government