UAE football season gets new start date, 2020/21 Arabian Gulf League set for kick-off

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  • (UAE Pro League).

    The 2020/21 football season in the UAE has received a fresh start date of October 8.

    Action in the Arabian Gulf Cup was originally meant to begin on September 3, only for authorities to call a halt “until next October” 24-hours prior. A statement on Tuesday night from the UAE Football Association, however, confirmed a new kick-off for that competition next Thursday, with preliminary rounds of the President’s Cup involving First Division League-outfits to follow a day later.

    Action in the Arabian Gulf League League will get under way on October 16. This ends a seven-month hiatus for the top flight, after March’s cessation because of coronavirus with seven rounds remaining and ultimate cancellation of 2019/20 by June.

    “After coordinating with the competent authorities, the UAE Pro League decided, in coordination with the UAE Football Association, to start the 2020/21 football season on October 8 with the Arabian Gulf Cup,” said organisers.

    “The UAE Pro League also decided to hold the first match-week of the Arabian Gulf League starting from October 16.

    “The UAE Pro League will announce the full schedule of its competitions, allowing enough time for all clubs to prepare well for the new season.

    “The UAE Pro League thanked the competent authorities for all their efforts to ensure public safety for all sectors of the society, and also thanked the UAE Football Association, and commended the clubs for their commitment and adherence to the implementation of the approved protocol in order to preserve the safety of members of the technical and administrative bodies, the players and all the workers in the football sector.”

    No mention was made by either the UAE PL or UAE FA about when fans will be allowed back in stadiums. Match-weeks 18 and 19 last term proceeded without supporters.

    The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority spokesman had on Tuesday outlined details about sport’s return in the Emirates.

    They said: “The UAE government is keen to safely normalise activities in various sectors by involving all members of the community in this responsibility.

    “Today, we announce the return of sporting activities in the country with specific procedures and controls to prevent the spread of the virus.

    “Protocols and guidelines have been developed to ensure a safe return to sporting activities based on studies, data and best global practices all under the supervision of medical teams with focal points managed by sport federations.”

    Shabab Al Ahli Dubai Club had earned a six-point lead over second-placed Al Ain when play ended, with Hatta and Fujairah in the drop zone. The summer’s decision from stakeholders saw no champion named and relegation scrapped, plus a 14-team division retained.

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