Dubai clubs reject third pro

The Dubai clubs have rejected the concept of signing up a third foreign pro. Most clubs have been agreeable to the decision with the exception of Dubai sports club who have their reservations.

The Dubai club issued a note announcing their support to sign a third foreign player.

The representatives of the six Dubai clubs (Al Nasr, Al Ahli, Al Wasl, Al Shabab, Dubai club and Hatta) held their first meeting at the Al Shabab club to discuss different issues concerning football and the UAE FA questionnaire which was send to all the clubs recently.

Saeed Abdul Ghafar, the Al Shabab secretary general shared the decisions of the meeting with the media saying, "We agreed for new dates regarding the registration of players: the first period from August 1 to October 31 and the second period from January 1, 2004 to the end of the league's first round."

Abdul Ghafar said the six Dubai clubs refused to accept the FA's recommendation regarding the issue of foreign pros signing up with a new club without getting approval from his previous employers in the UAE.

"This could lead to unacceptable behaviour by the foreign pro when he realises that he stands to get a better offer from another UAE club in the coming season. He is liable not to put up the best performance for his team."

Abdul Ghafar also said that the Dubai clubs disagreedwith the FA on signing foreign pros for a set period of one year.

"If the league starts on January and finishes in May how can I sign with a player for one year?" he reasoned.

He also added that while the FA's decision towards clubs signing up a third pro was not binding, "We, however decided in our meeting to refuse any decision to add a third foreigner. It will be an expensive addition as the clubs are facing financial constraints."

Abdul Ghafar said that the meeting agreed to suggest that the FA form a legal committee to judge the penalties imposed by them against club officials and administrators.

"Many people have been severely fined and punished by the FA without a proper hearing. A legal committee therefore, will hear both parties and solve many problems, (Saed Abdul Ghafar himself was fined Dh 30,000 by the FA for comments rendered inappropriate.)"

The Dubai clubs second meeting will be held at the Al Nasr club in September.