Khalifa: Historic win a deserved reward

Abu Dhabi: President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan has instructed that Dh500,000 be given to each player of the UAE football team for winning the 18th Gulf Cup championship on Tuesday.

The reward, in appreciation of the UAE's historic victory, was announced amid scenes of jubilation across the nation yesterday.

The reward does not include special bonuses announced earlier following a streak of wins the UAE registered against Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.

The team rode a brilliant strike by Esmail Mattar on Tuesday to beat Oman 1-0 and win the cup for the first time in UAE's football history.

Shaikh Khalifa also ordered that technical and administrative officials of the team, members of the UAE Football Association and the Organising Committee of the 18th Gulf Cup Championship be given cash rewards as well.

Shaikh Khalifa received the football heroes at his palace yesterday in the presence of several shaikhs and top officials. He praised the team's high morale throughout the tournament. "The historic win was a deserved reward," he said, praising the team management, the UAE Football General Assembly, the UAE Football Association and UAE fans for their support. He assured the team of his continued support.

His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, will receive the national team tomorrow.

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