Arab Cup organizers condemn Saddam Hussein song played at Doha fan zone

BAGHDAD – The organizing committee of the 2025 Arab Cup in Doha on Friday distanced itself from the playing of a song glorifying former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein at a fan zone after Iraq’s match against Bahrain, calling it an unauthorized act by an individual staff member.

In a statement, the committee said the song was not part of the official approved playlist and described its use as an “unacceptable action” carried out “individually from one of the workers in this area.” It said organizers “took the necessary measures as soon as the issue was noticed,” including addressing the person responsible and instructing all operators and staff to strictly follow fan zone guidelines.

Saddam Hussein’s regime is widely documented as having committed crimes against humanity, including the Anfal genocide, which involved mass killings and chemical attacks against Kurds in the late 1980s, as well as campaigns of repression against Shia communities and political opponents across Iraq.

The committee stressed that the competition is a purely sporting event, stating, “This tournament is primarily a sports event without any other dimensions.”

Iraq defeated Bahrain 2–1 in its opening match of the tournament.

Qatar is hosting the 2025 Arab Cup from Dec. 1 to 18, with 16 national teams taking part. This is the second time the tournament has been organized by FIFA.