ABU DHABI • Qatar coach Felix Sanchez said his team would not be distracted from the "most important match in the country's football history" by a protest over the eligibility of two of their best players at the Asian Cup.
The National newspaper reported yesterday on the eve of the Qatar-Japan final that the host, the United Arab Emirates, had formally questioned the eligibility of Sudan-born striker Almoez Ali and Iraqi-born defender Bassam Al-Rawi.
World football governing body Fifa mandates that a player switching national teams must either qualify through their parents or grandparents or must reside in a country for five years after their 18th birthday.
It is alleged that the 22-year-old Ali and 21-year-old Al-Rawi have not met the residency requirements to be eligible. Qatar claimed that they have relatives born in the country which allows them to play, which the UAE disputes.
Ali scored his record-equalling eighth goal of the tournament when Qatar beat the UAE 4-0 in the semi-finals on Tuesday. Al-Rawi was suspended for that match but is expected to return for the final.
The Asian Football Confederation confirmed that it has received a protest from the UAE Football Association regarding two players and that it would be "reviewed in line with the AFC regulations".
Spaniard Sanchez, however, said that his players were focused on preparing for today's match at Zayed Sports City Stadium.
"We are only focused on the game we're going to play tomorrow, any other things not related to football is not in our minds at the moment. I'm not concerned at all," he said. "My players need no more motivation than to play an Asian Cup final."
The protest comes against a background of a political and economic boycott of Qatar which the UAE launched with Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Egypt in 2017. The four countries accuse Qatar of supporting terrorism, which it denies.
FOCUSED ON FINAL
We are only focused on the game we're going to play tomorrow, any other things not related to football is not in our minds at the moment.
FELIX SANCHEZ, Qatar coach, on his team's mentality as they approach today's Asian Cup final against Japan.
The political rift was manifest in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday when Emirati fans hurled sandals and drinks bottles at Ali and two other players celebrating their goals during the semi-final.
The rift also means that almost no Qatari fans or media have been in the UAE to support and report on their run to a first continental final.
Meanwhile, Japan captain Maya Yoshida called on tournament organisers to deal swiftly with incidents of "stupidity" that risk damaging the reputation of Asian football.
The Asian Cup has seen its share of controversial refereeing decisions, with host UAE twice awarded soft late penalties that left rivals players and coaches fuming.
Japan's semi-final victory over Iran also came close to boiling over, with Yoshida himself needing to be restrained by teammates after reacting furiously to a petulant slap from Sardar Azmoun.
"I think the AFC should control stuff about penalties and suspensions," said the Southampton defender yesterday.
"If (the Cup) is broadcast all over the world, you don't want to see any stupid things, especially after the game. We are representing Asia under the hashtag #bringingasiatogether, so it's important to represent Asia by playing good football and with fair play."
Japan enter the final as favourites to add to their record of four Asian Cup titles, but Qatar coach Sanchez insisted that the 2022 World Cup hosts were confident ahead of their first appearance in the final, after comfortably winning all six of their matches and keeping a record six clean sheets.
"To us, it's no surprise that we are in the final," he said. "I have full trust in the players, they are motivated to make history."
REUTERS, AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
JAPAN V QATAR
Singtel TV Ch114 & StarHub Ch208, 9.30pm
Copa del Rey: Valencia to face Barcelona in final after seeing off Real Betis Valencia, who lifted the trophy on their last appearance in the showpiece match in 2008, will meet 30-times winners Barca in the final on May 25 at Betis' Benito Villamarin stadium.
Football news - Valencia to face Barcelona in Copa del Rey
Makeshift Barca side beaten at Celta and lose Dembele to injury making 11 changes but forward Ousmane Dembele suffered an injury setback ahead of Tuesday's Champions League game at Liverpool
barcelona: Makeshift Barcelona side beaten at Celta Vigo
A cautious Unai Emery refused to get carried away despite Paris Saint-Germain's stunning 4-0 win over Barcelona in the Champions League. The French champions hammered Barca in the last-16 first
Furious Messi says son asks why Argentines criticize him An uncharacteristically angry Lionel Messi revealed on Friday how he struggles to deal with criticism of his performances for Argentina
Angry Messi says son questions why Argentines criticise him
adtest.supersport.com/football/argentina/news/190329/Angry_Messi_says_son_questions_why_Argentines_criticise_him
An uncharacteristically angry Lionel Messi revealed on Friday how he struggles to deal with criticism of his performances for Argentina's national team, saying that even his six-year-old son was questioning why he was judged so harshly in his country.
Angry Messi says son questions why Argentines criticize him
Jun 10, 2019 · The United States women's national team is the best in the world and has been for decades. The 28 women suing U.S. Soccer have, in some cases, very little in common other than their sport
Women's Team Sues Over 'Institutionalized' Discrimination
Real Madrid, Atletico close in on Barcelona Benzema's 13th-minute strike was enough for Real Madrid to move up to third on 29 points, two behind Barcelona, who travel to Levante on Sunday
Real Madrid, Atletico Close in on Barcelona - News18
Jun 02, 2019 · 'This is only the start', says Jürgen Klopp after Liverpool's Champions League triumph - video Triumphant Liverpool come home to a sea of red after Champions League win.
'Only the start' - Klopp predicts more good times ahead for
worldsoccertalk.com/2019/06/01/only-the-start-klopp-predicts-more-good-times-ahead-for-liverpool/
'Only the start' - Klopp predicts more good times ahead for Liverpool AFP June 1, 2019 AFP No Comments Madrid (AFP) - A first trophy in seven years for Liverpool, and a first win in seven finals for Jurgen Klopp.
'This is only the start', says Jürgen Klopp after Liverpool's
Thierry Henry is on the verge of getting sacked as Monaco manager. (Source: AP) Thierry Henry was suspended by Monaco on Thursday and looked set to lose his job as coach after only three months in charge at the Ligue 1 club, with former manager Leonardo Jardim expected to take control from Friday.
Football: Suspended Thierry Henry set to lose Monaco job
Manchester City remain a point behind Liverpool in the Premier League title race after a Sergio Aguero penalty secured them a 1-0 victory over West Ham at the Etihad Stadium. Pep Guardiola's side
Aguero penalty gives Man City 1-0 win over West Ham - The
Football: Man Utd legends thrash Bayern in 1999 charity rematch Manchester United '99 Legends celebrate a goal against Bayern Munich in a charity match. (AFP/Lindsey PARNABY)
Football: Man United legends thrash Bayern in 1999 charity
Claude Puel has spoken of his "honour" at being given the opportunity to manage Leicester following his sacking at the weekend. The 57-year-old Frenchman's 16-month reign came to an end after Saturday's 4-1 home defeat to Crystal Palace, Leicester's sixth defeat in seven matches.
Sacked Puel says an 'honour' to manage Leicester | The
Football: Son's South Korea survive Bahrain scare to reach Asian Cup quarters Son Heung-Min (left) and Ji Dong-Won of South Korea celebrate the 2-1 goal. PHOTO: EPA-EFE
Son's Korea survive Bahrain scare to reach Asian quarters
worldsoccertalk.com/2019/01/22/sons-korea-survive-bahrain-scare-to-reach-asian-quarters/
Son's Korea survive Bahrain scare to reach Asian quarters AFP January 22, 2019 AFP No Comments Dubai (AFP) - Son Heung-min's South Korea needed an extra-time winner to beat world ranked 113th Bahrain 2-1 as they stumbled into the Asian Cup quarter-finals in unconvincing fashion on Tuesday.
Son's Korea survive Bahrain scare to reach Asian quarters
Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa has admitted to sending a club employee to spy on Derby County's training session ahead of the Championship clash between the two sides on Friday. As reported
Lionel Messi created a goal and scored another as Barcelona came from behind to beat struggling Rayo Vallecano 3-1 at home on Saturday and stay seven points clear at the top of La Liga.
Messi shines as Barca survive scare to see off Rayo
watch soccer online free streaming live cricfree
watch soccer online free streaming live batman
watch soccer online free streaming live india
watch coppa america live streaming ronaldo7
watch champions league live streaming live
watch soccer live streaming kenya
watch soccer online free streaming live uk
how to watch soccer live streaming free
watch coppa america live streaming hotstar
watch coppa america live streaming without cable
watch premier league matches live streaming
watch soccer online free live streaming hd
how to watch uefa champions league live streaming
watch soccer game live now
how to watch premier league live streaming
watch premier league live streaming xbox
watch premier league live streaming quality
watch premier league live streaming zimbabwe
watch coppa america live streaming crictime
watch coppa america live streaming portugal
watch uefa champions league final live streaming free online
watch live soccer streaming free android
watch premier league live streaming vf
watch coppa america live streaming total sportek
watch champions league live streaming malaysia
watch soccer games live stream free app
watch soccer live football streaming - ronaldo7.net
watch coppa america live streaming bt sport
watch coppa america live streaming eng
watch live streaming soccer manchester united
watch champions league draw live stream total sportek
watch champions league live streaming bein sport
watch soccer live streaming mobile
watch uefa champions league draw live streaming youtube
watch champions league live streaming xbox
watch coppa america live streaming barcelona
watch coppa america live streaming jamaica
free watch champions league live streaming
watch coppa america live streaming qatar
watch coppa america live streaming world
watch champions league live streaming pc
watch soccer saturday live stream
watch coppa america live streaming ronaldo 7
watch live soccer game barcelona vs real madrid
watch live soccer streaming on android
watch soccer world cup live streaming
watch soccer live streaming kenya vs ethiopia
watch soccer aid live stream
watch coppa america live streaming hd
watch soccer game live espn
watch live soccer stream android
free watch soccer live streaming
watch bangladesh premier league live streaming online free
watch champions league live streaming espn
watch live premier league football streaming online for free
watch soccer online free streaming live hd
watch real madrid vs juventus live streaming of champions league
watch soccer live streaming juventus
watch sky sports premier league live streaming
watch champions league live streaming vk
www.watch premier league live stream.com
watch soccer online free streaming live south africa
watch premier league live stream hd
where to watch champions league live streaming
watch premier league live streaming video
watch coppa america live streaming philippines
watch coppa america live streaming putlockers
watch english premier league live streaming online
watch uefa champions league quarter final draw live streaming
watch champions league live streaming vf
watch soccer online free streaming live without registration
watch coppa america live streaming indosiar
watch champions league live streaming ptv sports
watch soccer games live stream free
watch premier league stream reddit
best site to watch live soccer streaming
watch soccer live streaming zee tv
watch soccer online free streaming live canada
watch coppa america live streaming sub eng
watch soccer online free streaming live youtube
watch coppa america live streaming direct
watch champions league final online free live streaming
#cappucino #chocolatecoffee #elcasico #comics #Celtic #uefanationsleague #villarealcf #goodday #crossfit #risate #freekick #americanfootball #realmadridcf #hoffenhiem #championship #oasis #boxing #oasisandbeatles #manchestercity #henderson #cristianoronaldo #MyDubai #liverpoolfans #frasitrap #zinedinezidane #portsmouthfc #kickoff #manchesterunited #cr7 #leicestercity #gunners #afcnews #GarageCafeDxb #paulmcartney #coutinho #24x7 #alissonbecker #myfootballuniverse #commentimemorabili #valcea #Barca #footballschedule #comico #champion #livestreams #barcelona #soccermemes #arsenal #liverpool #manchestercity #championsleague #PartyTime #Vip45 #gooners #england #nationsleague #bundesliga #soccerbible #noelgallagher #juventus #league2 #jadwalbolahariini #Sunday #neymar #rockstar #premierleague #fut #4Series #soccer #kopisusu #roadtrip #mane #bayern #copaamerica #thebeatles #thomasmeunier #conference #romania #serieatim #football #winner #realmadrid #satira #insegreto #footballdubai #footballmeme #coyg #mancityvsliverpool #liverpool #lfc #liverpoolcity #JUVENTUS #messi #arsenalfantv
No comments:
Post a Comment