Arabian Gulf League football to resume in August

dubai — The UAE Football Association (UAEFA) and the UAE Pro League announced that domestic competition will resume in August.

The UAEFA and the UAE Pro League, followed up with the relevant authorities on the latest developments concerning the Covid-19 pandemic and after assessing the situation, has decided to resume football activities in the country.

“After analysing the situation with the relevant UAE authorities, the UAE

Pro League has decided, in coordination with the UAE Football Association, a plan for its competitions to resume in August,” the UAE Pro League said in a statement on Wednesday.

“This provisional plan will be evaluated continuously in collaboration with the national authorities, the UAE Football Association and the Asian Football Confederation,” it added.

The UAE Pro League also said that it will determine the changes to regulations and decision-making mechanisms related to its competitions in due course, taking into consideration the announcement will give clubs a suitable amount of time to prepare properly.

The Arabian Gulf League, the country’s top flight, as well as other footballrelated activities was suspended on March 15, following the recommendations by Fifa, the world governing body, as well as the AFC, which was circulated to all National federations.

Then, following a video meeting by the FA’s coordination working group, which gave their recommendations to the Board of Directors, the FA decided to extend the suspension until further notice on April 12, as a precautionary measure due to coronavirus pandemic.

The FA’s decision included all competitions like the Arabian Gulf League, the activities of the National teams, women’s football, Futsal, private academies and others.

Prior to the Arabian Gulf League being put on hold, the 18th and 19th rounds were held behind closed doors and without fans.

Seven rounds remain in the Arabian Gulf League, with the season originally supposed to end on May 24.