Jalal Hassan misses Gulf Cup for the first time since Gulf 21

In an event that marks the end of an entire era, Iraq's veteran goalkeeper and Al-Shorta player Jalal Hassan will miss the 27th Gulf Cup in Saudi Arabia, which is his first absence from the tournament since the 21st Gulf Cup. Jalal Hassan had broken the record for the most appearances by an Iraqi goalkeeper in the history of the Gulf Cup, representing Iraq in five consecutive editions: Gulf 22 in Saudi Arabia 2014, Gulf 23 in Kuwait 2017, Gulf 24 in Qatar 2019, Gulf 25 in Basra 2023, and Gulf 26 in Kuwait 2024. This current absence puts an end to a career that lasted more than 10 years in the Gulf tournament, with his most notable highlight being his crowning as champion of the 25th Gulf Cup held in Basra, Iraq, where he lifted the trophy as captain of the Lions of Mesopotamia in a historic achievement that will remain etched in the memory of Iraqi fans. Jalal's absence from coach Graham Arnold's list for Gulf 27 comes amid a technical direction to refresh the squad and give opportunities to young goalkeepers who are showing impressive performances in the Iraqi Premier League, thus concluding a long chapter of Iraqi goalkeeping in the Gulf.