Al Jazira were the only team not to breeze through UAE Club Licensing for the expanded 2018/19 Arabian Gulf League.
The Pride of Abu Dhabi received their licence, but with a warning and a deadline to complete the requirements for financial criteria. This followed a periodic meeting of the First Instance Body of UAE Club Licensing at the Pro League Committee on Tuesday, at the UAE Football Association’s headquarters.
Off-the-field issues stained 2017/18 for Jazira, causing early contract terminations with ex-France anchorman Lassana Diarra and UAE forward Ahmed Khalil.
The body decided to grant national licences for the following teams in the expanded, 14-team top flight; Shabab Al Ahli Dubai Club, Al Ain, Al Dhafra, Ajman, Al Nasr, Al Wahda, Al Wasl, Dibba Al Fujairah, Sharjah and Emirates Club.
This is in stark contrast to 2017/18’s inaugural vetting when five outfits – including giants Al Ain – required appeals to pass.
Special assessment will be conducted in June and July for the newly promoted clubs joining PLC competitions for 2018/19; Bani Yas, Ittihad Kalba and Fujairah.
Meanwhile, Dhafra’s summer recruitment drive has continued with the capture of Rio Ave forward Helder Guedes on a free transfer.
Guedes, 31, inked a one-year renewable deal. He joins coveted former Al Hilal midfielder Nicolas Milesi at the relegation strugglers from 2017/18.
Their new Portuguese signing gained global infamy last month with a woeful ‘Panenka’ penalty that caused his enraged coach to instantly substitute him.