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Dubai: The UAE Football Association board of directors Chairman Mohammad Khalfan Al Rumaithi appealed to all UAE clubs to cooperate with the FA in the coming season in the interests of the national team.
"The clubs have to give concessions because the forthcoming season is exceptional due to the national team's commitments in the World cup and Asian Cup qualifiers," said the FA Chairman.
"We sat with the Professional League Association (PLA) to coordinate with them about the national team commitments so that it will not affect the first professional league which kicks off in September."
Al Rumaithi commented on the Al Jazira announcement that they will not agree to release their players for long times for the national team preparations in the coming period.
"Al Jazira didn't sit with us or with the PLA to discuss the issue. The UAE clubs gave concessions in the past and we want them to continue. I think Al Jazira are keen for the national team interest because we are all working hard for the same target to develop UAE soccer and to reach a high standard on international and continental levels," Al Rumaithi said.
He added that they tried hard to keep the youth team coach Juma Rabea while the team were preparing for the Asian Championships in Saudi Arabia next October, but he had insisted on leaving and for Sharjah club.
Replacement
"Due to Rabea's contract expiring next month, we have to provide the team with a new coach to succeed him. We signed with Tunisian coach Khalid Bin Yahia who will join the team in the current training camp in Germany."
Al Rumaithi said the future of the Gulf Cup is unclear due to the several international and Asian engagements for the GCC countries.
"The 19 Gulf Cup in Oman clashes with the Asian Cup qualifiers in January 2009. For the continuity of the Gulf Cup in the coming years, a constant date will have to be fixed so that it will not clash with the international and continental fixtures," he stated.
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