Al Wasl and UAE goalkeeper Majed Nasser has announced his decision to quit football in the wake of the ‘catastrophic’ 17-match suspension handed down to him by the UAE Football Association’s Disciplinary Committee.
Nasser, 27, was hit with the lengthy ban following his well-documented altercation with Al Ahli boss Quique Sanchez Flores after the Etisalat Cup clash last Sunday.
The Wasl custodian, capped 61 times for his country, was widely condemned for slapping Sanchez Flores on the back of the head as the Spaniard celebrated with his players following their 1-0 victory.
Afterwards, Sanchez labelled Nasser “crazy” and said his actions were “very bad for football” while Wasl’s Vice-Chairman Sweidan Al Naboodah hit out at the player via Twitter. The club then announced that he was to be suspended “indefinitely” after labelling his actions “unsportsmanlike”.
Nasser’s misery was compounded when the UAE FA handed him a 17-game ban as well as a Dh30,000 fine, a sanction described by Wasl as “excessive”, which has now led him to the announcement that he will hang up his gloves with immediate effect.
Speaking on popular football show Game Over late on Friday night, Nasser spoke at length of his deep regret at his actions and announced that he would not fight the ban, despite describing it as a “catasrophe”.
“I would like to first apologise to everyone involved in the sports industry in the UAE.” he said. “In particular, I would like to apologise to the President of Al Wasl Club, Sheikh Ahmad bin Rashid Al Maktoum, to the Vice President Sheikh Majed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, to the members of the board and management of Al Wasl Club, to my colleagues in the team and to all our fans.
“I admit that my actions were inappropriate and wrong and that I lost control of my nerves but my reaction was due to the provocative gesture made by Al Ahli coach towards me during the match. I quickly tried to contain the situation and personally to Al Ahli coach after the match. He accepted my apology and he also apologised for his gestures.
“I dropped my right to appeal and will not do so in order not to complicate things and drag this issue any longer. I accept the Disciplinary Committee’s decision but at the same time I personally think that the decision exceeded expectations and was exaggerated and harsh and is enough to end my football career.
“This made me think about my career and to weigh my options and therefore I have taken the decision to retire from football completely and I have sent a letter to Al Wasl Club informing them of my decision. I don’t want to be a burden on my club or get in the way of their success and development.
“I have only seen good things from Al Wasl and they have always supported me in every step I have taken. They should not pay the price of my suspension. A 17-match ban is a catastrophe for the team and for me personally. I thank every on who stood by me and supported me and I hope that I will meet everyone’s expectations in the future.”
Wasl, meanwhile, have thus far made no comment on Nasser’s decision to retire, although the club is expected to release to statement later on Saturday.
Wasl boss Diego Maradona has already spoken out in support of his No.1, claiming last week that Sanchez Flores had provoked Nasser by calling for him to booked for time-wasting during the match.
*Story update: Al Wasl have released a statement expressing their shock at the news of Majed Nasser planning to quit football.
