UAE players harassed after Gulf Cup win

Dubai: UAE national football team players have been subject to harassment following their Gulf Cup win in Bahrain in January, according to Arabic press reports.

Members of the team have reported receiving phone calls from unknown callers begging for money after the squad received almost Dh200 million in reward for winning the title from the UAE’s ruling families. While the players have expressed their willingness to help those genuinely in need of financial help, the rate of cold calls have forced many to block incoming calls or change their mobile numbers.

An unnamed UAE player was reported as saying: “I will not hesitate to stand by the needy and vulnerable if they are genuinely in need of financial assistance because our religion commands us to help. But we must also be careful not to fall victim of fraud.”

Another player was quoted saying: “It is not possible to help everyone and ensure that every request is genuine. There are certain parties responsible for the delivery of such assistance. I provide financial assistance to the needy through the competent authorities, which in turn deliver such assistance to the beneficiaries.”