Kuwait has thrice been suspended by FIFA for political interference since 2007 and were allowed to participate in the 2011 Asian Cup qualifying campaign and other international competitions on a provisional basis.

[3] Contrary to the road map established by FIFA and the AFC, the Kuwaiti Public Authority for Youth and Sport continued to interfere.

[9] Kuwait's football federation board resigned days after world governing body FIFA suspended the Persian Gulf state.

[10] The suspension was lifted after the federation said it will ratify new statutes to prevent government interference in the sport as demanded by FIFA.

[14] Kuwait tried to get the suspension lifted at the 66th FIFA Congress but this was rejected and therefore from the earlier announcement on 27 April 2016, the hosting of the Arabian Gulf Cup tournament was moved to Qatar.