Coronavirus causes football in the UAE, including Arabian Gulf League, to be played behind closed doors 'effective immediately'

Sport360 staff 10:09 05/03/2020
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Mail
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • WhatsApp
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • (UAE Pro League).

    All football in the UAE, from the Arabian Gulf League downwards, will be played behind closed doors with immediate effect and “until further notice” to contain the spread of coronavirus, organising bodies announced.

    The Emirates has reacted decisively to curb the disease, which as of Tuesday had officially infected 27 people within its borders. This approach – which includes the month-long closure of schools and universities from Sunday – has now impacted the national game.

    “It was decided that all football competitions in UAE will be played without the presence of spectators as follows: President’s Cup/First Division League/Second Division League/youth competitions/futsal competitions/beach soccer/women’s competitions, effective immediately and until further notice,” said the UAE Football Association on Wednesday night.

    The President’s Cup semi-finals are set to be played on Tuesday; Bani Yas meet Al Dhafra and Sharjah battle Al Ain.

    This added to a prior announcement by the UAE Pro League, organisers of the country’s top flight. Thursday and Friday’s round 18-matches – out of 26 – will be the first with zero fans in attendance.

    A statement read: “In keeping with the principles of public safety, the UAE Pro League is coordinating with the relevant authorities in the country regarding the current health situation, preventive and precautionary measures taken by the various entities.

    “Furthermore, it was decided to suspend fan attendance in all its competitions until further notice, for the safety of the public.”

    Coronavirus had already caused the postponement of this week’s AFC Champions League contests for the UAE’s quartet. That competition will now feature an extended group stage into June and push back of the round of 16 to August.

    A decision is expected on Thursday by the Asian Football Confederation after they meet with FIFA in Zurich to discuss the World Cup 2022 qualifying schedule.

    The UAE are due to welcome Malaysia on March 26 – for what should be new boss Ivan Jovanovic’s competitive debut – and Indonesia on March 31, plus conclude their second-round commitments versus Thailand and pool-leaders Vietnam in June. These dates are likely to be impacted by safety measures to prevent coronavirus’ proliferation.

    The Whites sit fourth in Group G, five points off the pace but with a game in hand. Only first place guarantees progression to the third round, while being one of the four-best runners-up will continue the dream of securing just a second-ever entry to the global tournament.

    Recommended