Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has sent his condolences to the Iraqi Football Association (IFA) on the untimely demise of former Iraqi footballer Mustafa Saadoon who passed away at the age of 27 on Saturday.
Saadoon featured for the Iraq U-23 side that finished third at the AFC U23 Championship Qatar 2016, which saw the young Lions of Mesopotamia secure their qualification for the men's football tournament at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.
The AFC President said: “On behalf of the AFC and the Asian football family, please accept my heartfelt sympathies and condolences on the passing of Mustafa Saadoon.
“He shared a true passion for the game and the Asian football family is deeply saddened to lose an incredible talent who has left us far too early. We will always cherish and remember his valuable contributions to the game,” added Shaikh Salman.
The thoughts and prayers of the AFC and the rest of the Asian football community are with the loved ones and friends of Saadoon, the IFA and the Iraqi football family during this difficult time.
In memory of Saadoon’s contributions and service to the game, players from Iraq’s Al Shorta will be wearing black arm bands during their AFC Champions League (West) Group C contest against Al Ahli Saudi FC at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah on Saturday.