Latest news with #SultanAdil
The National
09-06-2025
- Sport
- The National
'The shirt is more important': Cosmin Olaroiu says indiscipline 'betrays' national team after bans for UAE duo
Cosmin Olaroiu, the UAE coach, says the severe punishments given to Khalid Al Dhanhani and Sultan Adil show indiscipline will not be tolerated. On Sunday, the UAE FA announced the two players had been stood down from the national team's trip to Bishkek for Tuesday's World Cup qualifier against Kyrgyzstan. They were also banned for five domestic matches, and fined a massive Dh500,000 each. The circumstances surrounding the decision remain undisclosed, other than that it was a 'violation' of discipline that occurred in the national team camp on Saturday. Speaking ahead of the Kyrgyzstan game on Monday evening, Olaroiu did not clarify what had happened, but he said any misconduct 'betrays' the national team. 'It is always disappointing to have to make this kind of a decision, but when the players come to play for the national team, they have to understand it is not about themselves,' Olaroiu said. 'I told them before the first game: this shirt that we wear is more than ourselves. We are carrying the responsibility for a million people. 'Not for the club, not for our families. We are carrying it for a million people. There doesn't exist any compromise, or any situation where we can do things in a different way.' Olaroiu is likely to have felt personally let down by the controversy. He is in his first two weeks in the role of national team coach, and there had been a groundswell of optimism that greeted his arrival. That was dulled slightly by the goalless draw with Uzbekistan on Thursday which ruled the UAE out of automatic qualification for the World Cup. But they still have a chance to make it, via a week-long, three-team group to be played in October. The winners of that will also qualify. The issue of the banned players has complicated the new coach's plans, and the identity of the duo is a surprise. As a target man centre forward, Adil has been highly impressive in his young international career to date – at least when injuries have allowed him to get on the field. And Al Dhanhani has already thrived under Olaroiu's management. He was the first choice right back in the Sharjah side which was highly successful under the Romanian in recent seasons. 'Discipline is the basis for success in anything, not only in football,' Olaroiu said. 'We need to start from here to build a future for this team, and create a group and create a family. 'When you take a different action, you betray your colleagues and your family, and we have to take a decision that shows it. 'Things are very serious in the national team, and behaviour is one of the main targets for the players when they come with the national team. 'Now I think everyone understands things should be serious, and that this is not about yourself. It is something bigger than us, and we need to think about this.' As Olaroiu spoke in the press conference in a spartan room at the Dolen Omurzakov Stadium in the Kyrgyz capital, Caio Canedo was alongside him, and nodded along in agreement. The Al Wasl striker has been a squad regular in the national team's bid to make the finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico next year. He said the players understand the responsibility they have when they are selected to represent the country. 'Despite the fact we have already qualified for the play-offs, we face this match with a lot of responsibilities,' Canedo said. 'Every time we defend the colours of our country we know the responsibility that we carry. It is an opportunity for the players to show they deserve to be in this squad. 'We know we are going to have a difficult, physical game, and our idea is to finish this group stage with a victory so we can carry on with confidence into the next round.' Although the game in Bishkek is meaningless in terms of qualifying – the UAE are already confirmed for the next round, while the hosts cannot make it – Olaroiu has high expectations of his players. 'Because the game is not important to qualification for the World Cup, we are going to see the character of the players, and the level of concentration with the game not being so extremely important,' Olaroiu said. 'They need to know that when they are playing for the national team, it is a totally different perspective. 'Step by step we need to improve the way we play, our determination, our spirit. Everything needs to be improved and this game gives us the possibility to get one step in front. This is what I want to see from the players. 'After the first game [against Uzbekistan] I expect there to be another big improvement in all aspects. It is an opportunity for all the players.'
Arabian Post
09-06-2025
- Sport
- Arabian Post
UAE Football Clubs Back FA Penalties on Khalid Al Dhanhani and Sultan Adil
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai The UAE Football Association has imposed substantial sanctions on Sharjah FC's Khalid Al Dhanhani and Shabab Al Ahli's Sultan Adil, levying fines of Dh500,000 each and domestic bans spanning five matches. Both clubs have expressed full support for the association's decision and announced plans to initiate internal reviews into the conduct of the players involved. The disciplinary measures follow an investigation into conduct deemed inappropriate during recent fixtures in the UAE Pro League. The Football Association's decision signals a firm stance on maintaining discipline and sportsmanship standards in the country's top-tier football competitions. Sharjah and Shabab Al Ahli, two of the UAE's most prominent clubs, have publicly committed to cooperation with the governing body's directives and have vowed to undertake rigorous internal probes aimed at preventing future breaches. ADVERTISEMENT Officials from Sharjah FC described the imposed sanctions as 'just and necessary,' underscoring the club's zero-tolerance policy towards behaviour that undermines the integrity of the sport. Similarly, Shabab Al Ahli representatives reiterated their support for the Football Association's rulings, stressing the importance of upholding the reputation of UAE football on domestic and regional stages. The cases against Al Dhanhani and Adil reportedly involved incidents that breached the association's code of conduct, though specific details about the nature of the violations have been withheld from public disclosure to protect all parties involved. Observers note that the magnitude of the fines and bans reflects the association's increased commitment to enforcing discipline and deterring misconduct in a league that continues to grow in regional prominence. This move aligns with broader efforts by the UAE Football Association to professionalise the sport locally and align with international standards of governance and fairness. The recent enforcement of hefty penalties on high-profile players sends a message to the football community that violations, irrespective of player status, will attract stringent consequences. Inside the clubs, internal investigations are expected to scrutinise not only the incidents leading to the penalties but also the systemic factors that may have contributed to the lapses in conduct. Sharjah and Shabab Al Ahli's initiatives aim to reinforce codes of behaviour, improve player education regarding sportsmanship, and implement monitoring mechanisms to prevent recurrence. The UAE Pro League, which features many international talents alongside local stars, has seen increased scrutiny over player behaviour and match officiating standards in recent seasons. The Football Association's disciplinary committee has stepped up its vigilance to safeguard the league's competitive integrity and enhance its appeal to sponsors and fans alike. ADVERTISEMENT Football experts within the region have welcomed the decisive action taken by the association, noting that maintaining discipline is crucial as UAE clubs seek to compete more effectively in continental competitions such as the AFC Champions League. The implementation of fair play principles is viewed as integral to sustaining the sport's development and nurturing young talent under professional frameworks. While the penalties levied are severe, they also serve as an opportunity for the players to reflect on their professional conduct and align with the expectations set by their clubs and governing bodies. Both Al Dhanhani and Adil remain key figures within their teams, and their return following suspension will likely come with an emphasis on exemplary behaviour. The financial fines represent a significant deterrent, especially in a league where clubs are increasingly investing in player welfare and development. The sanctions highlight the balance sought between disciplinary action and the need to foster a positive competitive environment that encourages respect among players, coaches, and officials. The Football Association's handling of this matter has been consistent with international best practices, reflecting a growing maturity in sports governance within the UAE. Clubs across the league are anticipated to reinforce internal policies and promote awareness to ensure alignment with the standards enforced by the governing body. The disciplinary episode involving Al Dhanhani and Adil has also drawn attention to the broader cultural and professional expectations within UAE football, emphasising accountability and ethical behaviour as non-negotiable elements of athlete performance. As clubs prepare for the next stages of the season, the message from the association and participating teams is clear: professionalism and discipline will be upheld at all costs.
The National
09-06-2025
- Sport
- The National
UAE clubs support FA's decision to fine and ban Khalid Al Dhanhani and Sultan Adil
The clubs of the two players thrown out of the UAE team have backed the decision of the Football Association. The governing body announced on Sunday that Khalid Al Dhanhani and Sultan Adil have been fined and banned for misconduct on national team duty. The duo were hit with Dh500,000 fines and removed from the squad which travelled to Kyrgyzstan on Sunday evening for a World Cup qualifier. They will also have to serve five match bans from domestic football. Although the specifics of the 'violation' have not been made public, the FA's decision has been supported by each of the players' clubs. In response to the controversy, Al Dhanhani released a social media post asking for forgiveness. The Sharjah right-back has been one of the mainstays of the national team's quest for World Cup qualification. He was in the starting XI when the side had their hopes of automatic qualification ended by a goalless draw against Uzbekistan in Abu Dhabi on Thursday. The result means the UAE now face an additional round of matches in their bid to make it to next year's finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The new UAE manager, Cosmin Olaroiu, has limited time with his players before that event in October. As such, he will be frustrated to have lost two key figures from his squad for the last match of round three of Asian qualifying, against Kyrgyzstan in Bishkek. Al Dhanhani was a pillar of Olaroiu's highly successful spell as Sharjah coach, which was the role he left to take up the UAE post. His previous employers said they supported the FA's decision, and that they would investigate the issue themselves. 'While the company affirms its full respect for the [FA's] decisions and regulations, it announces that it will initiate the necessary disciplinary measures against the player,' Sharjah wrote in a statement. '[That will be] in accordance with the club's internal regulations, reflecting its commitment to the principles of discipline and responsibility. "The club regrets the occurrence of such behaviour during the national team's camp and emphasises that representing the country is a great honour that requires all players to demonstrate professional conduct and complete discipline. "The club also renews its continued support for the national teams and affirms its commitment to preparing its players to be role models on and off the field, reflecting the honorable image of Emirati football.' Adil's participation in round three of the qualifying campaign, by contrast to Al Dhanhani's, has been beset by injuries. The Shabab Al Ahli striker has been limited by a long-standing knee issue to a couple of cameo appearances off the bench. He has had enough time, though, to make a significant impact that shows his worth. After being sent on at half time in the game against North Korea in Riyadh earlier this year, he scored a dramatic late winner. That goal guaranteed the UAE's continued participation in the qualifiers. It confirmed the UAE's place at the competition in October, which pits them against the other third and fourth-place finishers from this round of qualifying. Adil's club, Shabab Al Ahli, said they would 'take the necessary disciplinary measures against the player in accordance with its internal regulations' after he was thrown out. 'The club affirms its strong rejection and condemnation of any behaviour that contravenes the rules and regulations of national teams and the [FA],' the club wrote in a statement. '[It] renews its firm commitment to supporting the national teams and raising the name of the UAE in regional and international forums. 'Representing the national team is a great honour and a lofty goal for every player. Players are ambassadors for the nation and bear the responsibility of reflecting an honorable image through their commitment to values, discipline, and sportsmanship.' The national team will have one training session at the Spartak Stadium in Bishkek on Monday, before they face Kyrgyzstan at the same venue the following evening.
The National
08-06-2025
- Sport
- The National
UAE World Cup plans hit as Khaled Al Dhanhani and Sultan Adil kicked out of squad and fined Dh500,000
The UAE's bid to qualify for the 2026 World Cup has plunged further into difficulty after two key players were thrown out of the squad and heavily fined for disciplinary issues. Khaled Al Dhanhani and Sultan Adil have been stood down from the squad travelling to Kyrgyzstan for Tuesday's final match of the third round of Asian qualifying. They will also be banned from domestic football for five matches for an unspecified 'violation' during the current international window. 'The disciplinary committee of the UAE Football Association has decided to suspend Sharjah player Khalid Al Dhanhani and Shabab Al Ahli player Sultan Adil for five local matches, and to impose a fine of Dh500,000 on each,' the FA said in a statement on Sunday. 'They have also been removed from the senior national team list after committing a violation inside the national team training camp on June 7.' The issue is a major blow for Cosmin Olaroiu, the new coach, who has seen the newfound optimism over his appointment rapidly dissipate due to events over the past four days. Morale around the national team had soared after the Romanian – who turns 56 on the day the UAE play Kyrgyzstan – had replaced Paulo Bento as national team coach. The match against Kyrgyzstan itself is meaningless in terms of the bid for qualification. The national team's chances of automatically qualifying for the World Cup as one of the top two sides in the group were quashed when they drew with Uzbekistan in Abu Dhabi on Thursday night. However, Olaroiu is trying to build a side ready to compete for a place offered at a week-long, three-team round of matches in October. His contact time with the players is limited by the international schedule, and the game in Bishkek is a chance to impress his ideas on his new charges. Although the crime of the duo has not been disclosed by the FA, Olaroiu is likely to be furious about any breach of discipline, given the stakes. He will feel particularly let down by Al Dhanhani. The right-back is one of the mainstays of the national team, as shown when he scored a stunning goal in the UAE's shock win over Qatar in Doha in the first match of round three of qualifying. Just as pertinently, Al Dhanhani was a key figure in the Sharjah side which thrived under Olaroiu's management over recent seasons. Amid all the triumphs they had, the full back would noticeably seek out his coach first to celebrate. When Sharjah became just the second UAE club to win a major continental trophy, with the AFC Champions League Two final success in Singapore last month, Al Dhanhani and his young son euphorically toasted the win with Olaroiu. Al Dhanhani limped away from that 2-1 win against Lion City Sailors with his right ankle packed with ice. And yet Olaroiu has such faith in him that he named in his first starting XI, against the Uzbeks, just three weeks later. Adil, by contrast, did not feature against the Uzbeks, which has been typical of an injury-ravaged season. Olaroiu's predecessor, Bento, despaired at the continued absence of Adil due to a recurring knee injury. At one point, he even speculated that the young centre-forward might never play football again. That frustration was born from how highly Bento regarded Adil. The Portuguese coach had seen the Kalba-born striker thrive with a flurry of goals after giving him his debut in international football. Adil also provided the final, glorious moment of Bento's spell in charge, when he headed the winning goal late in stoppage time in the side's win against North Korea in March. Bento was sacked straight after that win, but Adil's productive 45-minute cameo as a substitute suggested he was at least on the path back to fitness. Now, though, he is set for another absence due to indiscipline. It is a major blow for Olaroiu, who will face questions on the subject when his side have their final training session in Bishkek on Monday evening. Olaroiu rued the fact that his side lacked a physical presence as they chased a vital win against the Uzbeks on Thursday night. As a strapping, target-man centre forward, Adil would have helped solved that issue, but he is now unavailable to the new coach.
Dubai Eye
26-03-2025
- Sport
- Dubai Eye
UAE keep World Cup dream alive with 2-1 win over North Korea
The UAE's quest to reach the World Cup, the first in 36 years, received a major boost with a dramatic late win in Riyadh. Sultan Adil's 98th-minute diving header denied North Korea a hard-earned draw and took Paulo Bento's side to within four points of qualifying rivals Uzbekistan. UAE had gone into this game as favourites and everything looked to be running to script when Fabio Lima fired them in front inside five minutes. Fabio nipped in to finish at the second attempt after some slick approach play on the left, and expectations were that more goals would follow. Bento's team failed to build on that early lead, however, and it was no real surprise when North Korea equalised two minutes from the interval. UAE failed to defend a corner and, after Jong Hwi-Nam's initial header rebounded off the crossbar, Kim Yu-Song showed tremendous bravery to dive in amid flying boots to bundle the ball home. North Korea continued to defend stoutly in a largely forgettable second half but, just as the final seconds were ticking down, UAE snatched victory from the jaws of a disappointing draw. The top two teams in each group will automatically qualify for the World Cup, while the third and fourth place teams will qualify for the fourth qualifying round. In Group A, Iran is in first place with 20 points, while Uzbekistan is in second with 17 points. The UAE comes in at third with 13 points, while Qatar is currently in the fourth place with 10 points.
