Sharjah: His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, has ordered the payment of Dh10 million as a bonus to the members of the UAE national football team in appreciation of winning the 21st Gulf Cup last Friday.
His Highness Shaikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, has granted Dh7 million to the team.
The orders were made on Monday when the UAE team met separately with Shaikh Sultan and Shaikh Saud.
Shaikh Sultan extended his heartfelt congratulations to the UAE team, UAE rulers, Crown Princes, Deputy Rulers and the national team’s families.
Shaikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, and other Shaikhs and senior officials were present during the meeting.
During a discussion, Shaikh Sultan advised the players that they should not resort to diving, or play-acting, when faced with obstacles or continuous tackling from the opposition. He said that the teams should be determined and keen to score goals rather than dive to earn a foul.
“A player’s dignity does not allow him to act and dive when faced with challenges. I truly respect players who display such sportsmanship and dignified performance. As we have seen in other matches, many players would resort to complaints, accusations and shouting and I am proud of you for not displaying such a behaviour,” said Shaikh Sultan.
Shaikh Sultan urged the team to maintain their level of performance and praised the media’s coverage and analysis provided by Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah TV channels airing the championship. He also discussed ways in which sport in the UAE can progress during the coming phase and said that addressing any issues should be a priority in order to attain development in the field and more achievements.
Yousuf Al Sarkal, President of the UAE Football Association, thanked Shaikh Sultan for the heartfelt gesture of meeting with the players.
In a separate meeting with the players, Shaikh Saud extended his congratulations to the team on this achievement. He said that the nation’s leadership is banking on Emirati youth to raise the UAE flag high in international events and competitions.
“We are immensely proud of you for this massive achievement and we are also giving you the responsibility of continuing this march of victories and accomplishments. We are certain that you are up to this task,” said Shaikh Saud.
Shaikh Mohammad Bin Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Crown Prince of Ras Al Khaimah and other Shaikhs and senior officials were also present during the meeting.
