FNC weighs pros and cons of foreign athletes

An FNC member and head of a Dubai club, complains to the Minister of Culture, Youth, and Community Development that teams are paying too much for foreign players.

Marwan bin Ghalita, the chairman of Al Nasr club, said high salaries for foreign players had yet to result in strong performances. Sammy Dallal / The National

ABU DHABI // Foreign-born athletes are costing UAE clubs too much money, says an FNC member, the head of a Dubai sports club.

During the Federal National Council session on Tuesday, Marwan bin Ghalita (Dubai), the chairman of Al Nasr club, said high salaries for foreign players had yet to result in strong performances.

He asked for a study on the effects of foreign players on local teams.

Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak, the Minister of Culture and Youth, said his ministry was conducting a comprehensive study on the matter.

Prior to the FNC session, Sheikh Nahyan said having foreign players had its upsides and downsides.

Although the presence of well-known athletes could lift interest in matches, attract sponsors, increase spectatorship, and boost the performance of their team members, it also led to clubs losing a lot of money. Clubs that are unable to afford foreign players are struggling to compete.

However, Sheikh Nahyan said bringing in foreign trainers would help hone the skills of local club players, foster a competitive atmosphere, and significantly influence a team. Such trainers would help local players to compete at the international level, he said.

There are 28 foreign players in the UAE, mainly in volleyball, handball and basketball. Their yearly salaries amount to Dh18 million.

Sheikh Nahyan made no mention of foreigners playing in football teams in the Arabian Gulf League.

In volleyball, Dh4m is spent on the 10 players in the league yearly. In handball, nine foreign players cost clubs Dh5 million annually. In basketball, eight foreign players are paid Dh9 million a year.

“We hope to work towards a future where all players are from our offspring,” said Sheikh Nahyan.

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