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
Massimiliano Allegri will leave Juventus at the end of the season, the Serie A club have confirmed. A statement on their website read: "Massimiliano Allegri will not sit on the Juventus bench in
Massimiliano Allegri - Wikipedia
Europe progress spurs hope for league title: Pochettino
Nazri, 48, who was recently appointed assistant to new national coach Tatsuma Yoshida, said: "They responded to me very well and I always try to win the players' trust, that's the most important
Football: Even if they come on for just five minutes, I trust
Yorke, 47, admitted: "Of course this is the biggest test for Ole so far. "Spurs have got a great side. But this United team is playing without fear now, so they should have no fear going to
Key quotes: The Ole Gunnar Solskjaer philosophy | Manchester
Reserves deliver as Spurs eye City clash - straitstimes.com
Italian legend Cannavaro named new coach of China captain Fabio Cannavaro was named coach of China on Friday, spearheading the ambitious country's attempts to become a footballing force at
Fabio Cannavaro named new coach of China - Sportstar
Lacazette double helps Arsenal beat Valencia 3-1. Arsenal's Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scores their third goal against Valencia at the Emirates Stadium, London, on May 2, 2019. (Reuters)
Arsenal 3-1 Valencia: Alexandre Lacazette double helps give
Tottenham to play Crystal Palace in first game at new stadium
Five things we learned from the Premier League this weekend Manchester City and Liverpool remain locked in a nerve-jangling battle for the Premier League title as the season approaches its
Premier League Weekend: five things we learned
PSG's first goal, the one that led to such a fractious reception thereafter, was created by Di Maria. It was from his corner on the right side, which he swung in with his left foot, that PSG profited.
LONDON - Son Heung-min once again proved there is more to Tottenham Hotspur than Harry Kane as the South Korean's late goal secured a 1-0 home win over Manchester City in an absorbing Champions League quarter-final first leg on Tuesday.
Football: Son's late winner gives Tottenham edge over Man
Football: Man City surge clear through Sterling as Spurs suffer
Football: Valencia to face Barca in Copa final after seeing off Betis Valencia's forward Rodrigo Moreno (second right) celebrates with team mates after scoring. PHOTO: EPA-EFE
Soccer: Valencia to face Barca in Copa final after seeing off
0 komentar:
Posting Komentar