Kolkata: The Iraqi U17 players taking part in the ensuing FIFA U17 World Cup here in Kolkata sent a peaceful message back home after several lives were lost (particularly childrens) in the last few days due to scarcity of food and lack of medicine. The Iraqi players were seen holding posters with a message to stop child deaths which have gone up at an alarming rate in last few months in the war torn country. According to a support staff travelling with the Iraqi team said, “It was a message of hope for the people back home. In the last few days there have been incidents of at least seven child deaths due to lack of medicine.”
A one-year-old child died Monday in a refugee camp in Mosul due to the lack of sufficient food and medical supplies, a medical source was quoted saying. Several deaths among children occurred in the past period for the same reason.
Earlier this month, a lady and a child died of food poisoning after eating a spoiled meal in the same camp, which prompted the government to order an investigation.
Iraqi footballers Ali Ibadi, Mohammed Dawood and Coach Qahtan Al-Rubaye were seen holding posters in their hands ahead of their training session. Later the entire team sent a message together which can be seen on the Iraqi Football Associations twitter handle.
The Asian team had a light workout under the lights at the training grounds of the Salt Lake Stadium. Iraq is placed second in Group F after England following their 3-0 thrashing against Chile. They drew their first match against Mexico.
Iraq will face England in their last Group League encounter on Saturday here. The fate of the match will decide the group toppers.