Professional football in the UAE is set to continue being played behind closed doors “as per the previously determined schedule” amid the ongoing coronavirus situation, organising bodies have announced.
The UAE Football Association and Arabian Gulf League released statements late on Saturday confirming the status quo. This followed, unfounded, speculation that a pause would follow Al Jazira’s 3-1 victory against Al Ain.
A temporary ban on fan attendance was first imposed on March 5. Subsequent measures from the UAE FA included the postponing of all matches from Under-19s downwards, plus similar limitations on women’s football, beach soccer and futsal.
“In coordination with the UAE Football Association and relevant authorities, it was decided that first team and U21 competition shall continue as per the previously determined schedule, with preventative and precautionary measures in place,” read a statement from the UAE Pro League, organisers of the AGL.
“The situation will continuously be assessed with the concerned authorities. Matches will continue to take place without fan attendance, as previously decided.”
Changes to the AGL schedule were revealed last week, with play extending through the window originally intended for the now postponed 2020 AFC Champions League group-stage fixtures.
Match-week 20 will take place on Thursday-Friday, followed by match-week 21 on April 3-4.
Match-week 22 follows on April 9-10, while match-week 23 takes place on April 16-17.
Dates for the final trio of match-weeks will then be confirmed based on the positions of teams fighting for the title, or to avoid relegation.
STATEMENT 📄 pic.twitter.com/E5acg5aiAc
— Arabian Gulf League (@AGLeague_EN) March 14, 2020
This sentiment was echoed by the UAE FA, organisers of First Division League.
They stated: “Following the decision made by the UAE Football Association on Thursday, March 12, 2020, concerning the postponement of matches in all competitions of the age groups under 17, 16, 15, 14, 13 and 12 years, it has also been decided to postpone the competition matches of under 19 years (league and cup) until further notice.
“The Football Association has decided to cease the Youngsters age groups’ training in all its categories including Women’s Football, Futsal and football academies until further notice. Whereas, the first teams and under 21 years are to continue their competitions.
“Nonetheless, necessary measures will be taken and the situation will be continuously assessed in coordination with the competent authorities and the UAE Pro League, the UAE Football Association called on everyone to abide by the decisions issued in order to preserve the safety of society, and a number of additional measures must be taken in this regard.”
Abu Dhabi and Dubai have announced an extensive programme of targeted closures in recent days, until the end of March.
On Sunday, this was expanded to; public gyms, cinemas, theme parks and electronic games centres.
Play in several major competitions in Europe and Asia has ceased in the face of the coronavirus pandemic. These include the Chinese Super League, J1 League, Serie A, La Liga, Ligue 1, Bundesliga and Premier League, plus major continental tournaments such as the Europa League, UEFA Champions and ACL.
