Arabian Gulf League return is put on pause as UAE Football Association reiterate suspension

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  • (UAE Pro League).

    The UAE Football Association has reiterated its previous call to postpone all football activity until mid-April because of coronavirus, cancelling an imminent return to action in the Arabian Gulf League.

    Al Ittihad newspaper led reports on Sunday from local media stating that the 14 top-flight outfits were among those to receive notification that they could resume training this week if “players, staff and employees” provided negative tests. All action – the AGL had been played behind closed doors for match-weeks 18 and 19 – was stopped for an initial spell lasting “up to four weeks” by the national governing body on March 15 to help curb the disease’s spread.

    But wide-ranging overnight changes in domestic policy forced a cancellation of this decision. A joint statement in the early hours of Monday morning from the Ministry of Interior and the National Emergency and Crisis and Disasters Management Authority urged UAE citizens, residents, visitors and all those living in the nation to stay at home unless it’s absolutely necessary to get essential supplies or perform essential jobs.

    “The UAE Football Association has confirmed the continuation of the decision to suspend football activity in the country for four weeks, since the date of March 15, 2020 as a precautionary measure due to the coronavirus,” a UAE FA statement read.

    “The situation will be evaluated and reviewed as soon as it is over the specified period.

    “The decision comes after coordination with the competent authorities in the country that is making great efforts in preserving the safety of all members of society.

    “The UAE Football Association confirms that the decision includes all competitions organised by the UAE Football Association, the UAE professional leagues and the activities of the national teams. Plus, for women’s football, gymnasiums and private academies besides all training for all stages including the first and reserve teams.”

    This latest directive should ensure that matches now resume, at the very earliest, by the start of May. A two-week training period is widely recommended as the minimum before footballers will be in condition to compete.

    There have been no updated official announcements by the AGL or organisers the UAE Pro League about schedules.

    The UAE FA’s proclamations, several have been issued in March, have also impacted the AGL’s Under-21 division, First Division League, Second Division League, national teams, women’s football, beach soccer, futsal and private academies. All youth football from U-17 downwards was paused on March, with the U-19s following suite three days later.

    Shabab Al Ahli Dubai Club hold a six-point advantage over second-placed Al Ain in the AGL, with seven fixtures left. At the opposite end of the table, Fujairah and Hatta are in the relegation zone.

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