Al Hajeri: Suspension Decision is Null and Void and Al Ain Club Already Filed an Appeal
H.E. Mr. Ghanim Mubarak Al Hajeri, Chairman of Al Ain Football Club Company, expressed his surprise regarding UAE Football Association (UAEFA) position stated publicly at the press conference dedicated to shed light on violations committed by UAE delegation during Arabian Gulf Cup 23 held recently in Kuwait. “Al Ain has practically commenced appeal procedures against the penalty imposed against Omar Abdul Rahman. This is done not to defend his case or as a pursue to keep his position within the UAE National Team in the coming matches; quite the opposite, because Al Ain is fully convinced that such procedures are null and void and this applies not only to the Committee’s decision to suspend the players, but also referring them to Disciplinary Committee,” stressed Al Hajeri
In his press statement published on Al Ain FC official website, Al Hajeri said: “The regulation referred to by the President of the UAE Football Association when taking his decision to refer the three “international” players to the Disciplinary Committee was not presented to the General Assembly even though it is an internal regulation and that UAEFA has the jurisdiction to approve it. Moreover, none of the clubs received a copy of it in realization of the concept of partnership in responsibility and to inform the players who are selected to play for UAE National Teams prior joining these teams. Additionally, such a regulation was not introduced by the national team officials or delivered to the players who become members of the national team and never published on UAEFA official website.” Al Hajeri stressed that: “Based on the aforementioned grounds, such decision is null and void in connection with the UAEFA law itself.”
“The public interest requires everyone to take a prompt reaction and not to let things happen “free rein” while standing speechless against the decisions issued with no grounds and part of theorizing while not abiding by the guidelines of UAEFA’s policies, regulations, bylaws and institutional values,” said Al Hajeri. He pointed out: “This is said given the vital role of clubs within the UAE sport system and in quest of sustaining the good reputation that UAE football has always enjoyed at the regional and continental levels.”
H.E. Mr. Chairman of Al Ain Football Company underscored the fact that Al Ain FC never defends falsehood at all costs and refuses to disrepute UAE sport because homeland’s interest is superior to any other interests. He concluded by saying: “We require to call players at fault to account in accordance with the approved regulations and laws. If UAEFA President admitted that there were certain violations in UAE National Team Camp, then all delegation members at fault should be called to account.”
