Four dead, dozens injured in stampede at Gulf Cup in Iraq

At least four people have been killed and dozens injured in a stampede at a stadium in Basra in southern Iraq ahead of the Arabian Gulf Cup final, according to Iraqi football officials.

Reporting from Basra, Al Jazeera's Mahmoud Abdelwahed said a number of the about 80 injured people were "in critical condition" after the incident on Thursday (Jan 19).

Iraq are set to face Oman in the final of the eight-nation football tournament at 7pm (16:00 GMT). The Iraqi Football Federation said the match would be hosted on time.

Thousands of fans without tickets had gathered outside Basra International Stadium since dawn in hopes of watching the rare home international match.