Baghdad-INA
The Minister of Youth and Sports, Ahmed Al-Mubarqa, confirmed that the ownership of the International People’s Stadium will be returned to the Ministry of Youth and Sports, after it had been the property of the Real Estate Bank since its inception until a year ago.
Al-Mubarqa said in an interview with the Al-Muhayed program broadcast by the Iraqi News Channel and followed by the (INA): “The Real Estate Bank asked us for rent allowances amounting to (8) billion Iraqi dinars, and here lies the problem, as large sums of money were spent on the stadium to rehabilitate it, and it is not affiliated with the Ministry.” .
He added, “The Ministry opened this file for the purpose of finding a solution to the problems, and thank God the issue was resolved, and the ownership of Al-Shaab International Stadium was returned to the properties of the Ministry of Youth and Sports with the assistance of the Council of Ministers.”
Title: Exclusive Interview: Insights on the Return of Al-Shaab International Stadium Ownership
Q: Thank you for joining us today. Can you tell us about the recent development regarding Al-Shaab International Stadium?
A: Thank you for having me. Recently, the Minister of Youth and Sports, Ahmed Al-Mubarqa, announced that the ownership of Al-Shaab International Stadium has been officially returned to the Ministry of Youth and Sports. This change is significant as the stadium had been under the control of the Real Estate Bank since its inception.
Q: What challenges did the Ministry face during this transition?
A: One of the main challenges was the financial demand from the Real Estate Bank, which requested approximately 8 billion Iraqi dinars in rent allowances. This posed a considerable issue, especially given that substantial investments were made to rehabilitate the stadium—money that was spent without the Ministry having ownership rights.
Q: How did the Ministry address these challenges?
A: The Ministry took proactive steps by opening discussions to resolve these issues. They engaged with various stakeholders, including the Council of Ministers. Through this collaborative effort, they successfully negotiated the return of the stadium to the Ministry’s portfolio.
Q: What does the return of the stadium ownership signify for the future of sports in Iraq?
A: The return of Al-Shaab International Stadium to the Ministry is a crucial step towards enhancing sports infrastructure in Iraq. It allows the Ministry to better manage and develop the stadium for various sports events, which in turn promotes athletic programs and encourages youth participation in sports. This move is expected to revive not only sporting events but also the local economy and community engagement.
Q: What practical advice can you offer to stakeholders in the sports industry regarding such ownership transitions?
A: Communication is key. All stakeholders should be transparent about financial obligations and responsibilities when it comes to managing assets like sports facilities. Building strong relationships between government bodies and financial institutions is essential for smoother operations. Furthermore, investing in community engagement and grassroots sports programs can enhance public support and generate a positive impact even amidst ownership challenges.
Q: how can fans and the community expect to benefit from this change?
A: Fans can look forward to a revitalized Al-Shaab International Stadium that will host a range of sporting events, potentially drawing both local and international competitions. This not only enhances the sporting culture in Iraq but also fosters a sense of pride among the community, as they have a venue that represents their commitment to sports and youth development.
Conclusion: The return of Al-Shaab International Stadium is a landmark event for Iraq’s sports landscape, symbolizing hope for future growth and development in the sector. With proactive management and community involvement, the stadium can become a cornerstone of national pride and athletic achievement.