Ghanim Al Hajeri: News On Al Ain Club’s Negotiations and Contracting with Emirati and Foreign Players Are Fallacious
H.E. Ghanim Mubarak Al Hajeri, Chairman of Al Ain Football Club Company, said that disrespectful attitude dominated the vulgar headings of the Iranian sports media as Al Ain romped to a historical emphatic 6-1 victory over Esteghlal Tehran, their most popular team and representative in the Asian Championship, does reflect their savagery and qualities of unprofessionalism they enjoy. He added that Al Ain’s reaction was in the field and the real men of the “Boss” absolutely ascertained their superiority over their opponent by deeds not words leaving them moaning their loss in the Iranian means of media and press front pages.
He further explained, “The challenge that Al Ain Team faced in the first leg match was the unfair play style adopted by the opponent team. Such misbehavior was apparent in all the details of the confrontation through unacceptable behaviors which contradict with the concepts of modern football game. On the contrary, Al Ain adopted the principles of the fair play and obliterated their opponent on the pitch.”
He added, “Football game has become an open arena to display the nations’ cultures, values, civilization and morals. Also, it has become an opportunity to renounce violence and racism. However, the way we treated in Iran has nothing to do with the spirit of sports and contradicts with the AFC’s logo (One Asia One Goal).”
Commenting on a question on media reports confirming the return of the Brazilian striker Douglas Dyanfres to Al Ain’s starting lineup along with Omar Khreibin, he said, “News on foreigners joining Al Ain FC are untrue, specifically Douglas who has already received external offers. His new destination would be determined following the trade-off among all these offers in line with the player’s own personal desire.”
He went on to say, “Al Ain did not have any negotiations with Al Dhafra FC to purchase the card of Omar Khreibin because he is not among the names put forward by the Croatian Head Coach, Zoran Mamic. Al Ain Head Coach’s report was based on the essential requirements that stand in for the desired added technical value and enhance the strength of his squad in coming matches. He confirmed, “Khreibin is not on the Coach’s list.”
As for contracting with Dubai’s Al Ahli player, Ismail Hammadi, he stated that, “Again, news on contracting with Emirati players are fallacious. Zoran Mamic has already prepared a list of players’ names from the First Team and U-20 players.” He concluded his statement by emphasizing that, “Zoran would submit his final and last list of names who will be tasked to tackle the challenges of the new coming season by the end of the out-of-country preparatory training camp.”
