UAE Football Association will 'not hesitate' to support Sebastian Tagliabue naturalisation

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  • (Pro League Committee).

    The UAE Football Association will “not hesitate” to support the naturalisation of prolific Al Wahda striker Sebastian Tagliabue if this is desired, according to secretary general Mohammed Abdullah Hazzam Al Dhaheri.

    The Arabian Gulf League’s record foreign goal scorer – with 113 strikes in 114 matches for the Clarets – responded last week it would “be my pleasure to play for the UAE if it becomes possible” when quizzed about widespread reports he would be called up by January 2019’s Asian Cup hosts.  The uncapped Argentine, 33, became eligible this summer under FIFA rules, as he has been a constant resident since being purchased from Saudi Arabia’s Al Shabab Riyadh during June 2013.

    Responding to questions about this issue at Tuesday night’s National Teams and Technical Affairs Committee meeting, Al Dhaheri responded: “The UAE Football Association is not able to grant citizenship, but we do not hesitate to support the team about any player that meets the conditions and criteria and is chosen by the technical staff of the team.”

    If the Tagliabue process is expedited, coach Alberto Zaccheroni could select him for October 11’s meeting with Barcelona and Venezuela on October 16 in Barcelona.

    Comments by Al Ain boss Zoran Mamic about ill-prepared and out-of-shape returning Whites players also engendered a sharp response.

    “The statements made by Al Ain coach Zoran Mamic about the lack of happiness of his players during the national camp and the drop in their level during the league matches after their absence from his camps were not accurate,” said Al Dhaheri.

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