Sharjah Sports Council directs only Emiratis can participate in football tournaments to promote local talents

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

The Sharjah Sports Council approved a decision to ban participation of foreign and resident players (children and youth), and rely on Emirati players and children of Emirati women in Sharjah clubs that participate in sports tournaments organized by the Football Association, starting from the 2023-2024 season.

The decision came as a fulfillment of directives of His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah.

Following these directive, the Council formed a higher committee, and held many meetings and deliberations, ended by holding the first sports forum in Sharjah.

It yielded a number of recommendations to be applied on the ground, the top of which is that participation in the matches organized by the Federation will be limited to the Emiratis and children of Emirati women, with no objection to exercising and practicing in clubs’ activities for residents as “practitioners” only.

The decision of the Sharjah Sports Council was the second step, after the list of foreign players in football halls at Sharjah clubs had been cancelled.

The decision also translates the insightful vision of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah to empower citizens and children of Emirati women in the emirate's clubs.

The sports clubs in the emirate were basically founded to enable the Emiratis practice sports and also the residents to practice sports activities, without prejudice to the right of citizens in Sharjah clubs to practice their sports activities.

In addition, the decision aims to provide opportunities for Emirati players and children of Emirati woman in the various stages in the emirate’s clubs. This will help foster their capabilities that will have a positive impact on them, and to encourage clubs to attract young players.