Omar Abdulrahman and Ali Mabkhout have been on the receiving end of a four-match ban, subject to appeal, after confirmation of their escape from the UAE team’s hotel and breaking their curfew, the night before losing to Oman in the Gulf Cup Final.
The UAE Football Association immediately investigated after the rumours emerged on the day after the final defeat, and it was found out that the duo exited the hotel at night alongside the injured full-back Mohamed Fawzi, who would receive a lesser punishment due to his unavailability for the match.
Abdulrahman and Mabkhout, in addition to their domestic bans, were fined Dh50,000 each while Fawzi only received a warning and a fine of Dh40,000. These punishments have led to outrage from club fans, who have asked why national team issues are affecting the club.
Moreover, all three players tweeted their defences, and claimed that they would defend their rights against the “rumours” that were released against them.
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