Infantino shocked and saddened by Iraq football attack

More than 32 people are thought to have died when a suicide bomber struck an amateur game in Iskandariya, roughly 30 miles south of Baghdad.

Published : Mar 26, 2016 23:12 IST , Zurich

FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
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FIFA president Gianni Infantino.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has expressed his shock and sadness following a terrorist attack on a football match in Iraq on Friday.

More than 32 people are thought to have died when a suicide bomber struck an amateur game in Iskandariya, roughly 30 miles south of Baghdad.

"I'm shocked and terribly saddened to have learnt about the awful tragedy, which occurred yesterday at a football game in Iskandariya, Iraq," read a statement from Infantino.

"Around the world, football unites people. It is a very sad day when people, going to a match together, become the victims of such violence.

"On behalf of FIFA and the global football community, I would like to extend our deepest condolences to the victims' families.

"Our thoughts are with all those affected by this tragedy and all our football friends in Iraq."

Islamic State is said to have claimed responsibility for the attack.

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