Oman edged into the semi-finals of the Gulf Cup in extraordinary fashion after they were picked ahead of Iraq in the drawing of lots.

Oman’s 3-1 win over Kuwait meant both the Omanis and Iraq finished level on four points in their group and, as they had identical records, lots were drawn to separate them and decide who would finish second and progress to the last four.

Organisers said the draw was the final tie-breaker after they had applied “the selection criteria stipulated in the regulations”.

These included “head-to-head results, goal difference, number of goals, and disciplinary card points” with Oman and Iraq level “until the final criterion was reached”.

With yellow cards included in the count-back categories, Oman’s Musab Al-Shaqsy would have been ruing the booking he picked up against Kuwait.

After Al-Shaqsy scored his side’s third goal late on in their win over Iraq he was yellow carded for taking his top off during his celebration.

And, with Oman and Iran, who were beaten 2-0 by Saudi Arabia in their final group game, level on everything else, it meant both countries also finished even on the disciplinary front.

That meant lots had to be drawn “in the presence of representatives of the concerned authorities” and, ultimately, Oman went through to the semi-finals.

A game of rock, paper, scissors was used to determine when the elite female and male races will take place at next year’s unique two-day London Marathon.

Men’s world record holder Sabastian Sawe was beaten by women’s wheelchair world record holder Catherine Debrunner – both 2026 London Marathon champions in their respective races – in the contest.

As a result, the elite men and men’s wheelchair races are set for Saturday, 24 April, with the women’s events taking place the following day on the traditional Sunday.

Hugh Brasher, chief executive of London Marathon Events, said: “Sabastian and Catherine’s rock, paper, scissors battle was an entertaining way to decide which day would host each elite race.

“Splitting the elite races will allow us to shine an even brighter spotlight on the extraordinary athletes taking part.”

Earlier this year, organisers of the event confirmed the London Marathon will be held across two days in what is said to be a momentous one-off edition of the event.

The decision was made to enable more people to take part, after a record 1.33 million people entered the ballot for next year.

In 2027 a record-breaking 100,000 participants will take part and it is estimated that more than £150m will be raised for charitable causes.

The women’s championship categories will line-up behind the women’s elite field for the first time in the London race.

“Our outstanding elite women’s wheelchair field will begin the action just ahead of them, creating a true celebration of women’s marathon racing,” Brasher added.

The main events on both days will be a mixed field of male, female and non-binary participants.