Iraqi soccer player kidnapped in Baghdad

BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) - A popular Iraqi soccer player who was a member of the country's Olympic team has been kidnapped in Baghdad, police said Monday.

Ghanim Ghudayer, 22, considered one of the best players in Baghdad's Air Force Club, was snatched on Sunday evening by unknown assailants in the al-Amil neighbourhood in the west part of the capital where he lives, said police 1st Lt. Mutaz Salahiddin.

Some of the kidnappers were dressed in military uniforms, Salahiddin said.

Samir Kadhim, head of the Air Force Club, said the player had been preparing to go to a training session when he was intercepted by the assailants in two vehicles. Kadhim said Ghudayer had recently signed a one-year contract with a club in Syria and had been planning to leave Iraq within a few days.

The Air Force team has been in Lebanon over the past week for a training camp to prepare for a domestic championship and for the Asia Cup. Ghudayer had not joined the team because of his new contract with the club in Syria, Kadhim said.

Iraqi sports officials and athletes have frequently faced threats, kidnappings and killings.

Read the rest at the Ottawa Sun