Why can’t our pros play twice a week?

The UFL caused controversy last week when it announced that it was postponing the league games involving Sharjah, Al Ahli and Al Jazira less than a day before the matches were due to take place.

This was to help the teams prepare for the Asian Champions League. The decision was made two weeks earlier, but not announced until the day before the matches. This has understandably caused more eyebrows to be raised than a convention of Roger Moore impersonators.

Why, if the decision was made two weeks previously, was it not announced then?

Why were Al Shabab made to play when the other three did not have to?

Why, when they knew who the teams in the champions league were, was this not factored into the calendar before?

Why can't footballers play twice a week?

They manage it in European Champions League and South American Copa Libertadores. As the song goes “There are more questions than answers'' and the biggest losers in this are Al Ain.

I talked last week about the advantage they would have with other teams playing twice a week, this is now all but wiped out. I think this part should finish with me folding my arms, raising an eyebrow as only the former Bond actor could and muttering a loud “hmmm''.

Meanwhile, the first point of the professional era in the Champions League went to Al Ahli. They managed a 0-0 draw on Tuesday against the brilliantly named Saba Battery.

One of the world's greatest players will make an appearance in the UAE. Rivaldo, who is playing for last season's semi-finalists Bunyodkor, will play against Al Shabab.

The Uzbek team who were only formed a few years ago have some money behind them and are reported to be paying some five million euros a year to the Brazilian.

They also did their pre-season in Dubai so they should know the place well and be used to the conditions. The league is on a break this week and the Etisalat Cup returns with the first leg of the semi-finals on Sunday.

It will be interesting to see what kind of teams Al Ahli and Al Jazira put out for the games. The cup has definitely been a second-string competition in terms of teams and crowds. Al Wahda may have the most interest in this competition as it means they can make something out of a poor season. The second legs will be the following week and the final is on April 14.

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Our columnist Sparky talks to renowned Spanish football pundit Guillem Balague each week. You can listen exclusively to his opinions by clicking here. And don't forget to check out all the latest football news and views from around Europe at www.guillembalague.com.