FNC investigates troubled UAE football clubs

Lack of funds limits Al Arabi Club’s capacity to support activities.

UMM AL QUWAIN // FNC members are visiting three football clubs in the Northern Emirates that recently withdrew from the UAE’s lower leagues.

Al Arabi Club in Umm Al Quwain, Al Jazeerah Al Hamra and Al Rams Cultural Sports Clubs in Ras Al Khaimah, and Masfoot Club in Ajman decided to pull out of playing in the second-tier football league after running into problems, which included finances.

“We are visiting the clubs to know their situation. From site visits we can get more information than from a newspaper or over a phone call,” said Marwan bin Ghalita, an FNC member from Dubai.

The members visited Al Arabi Sports and Cultural Club on Sunday and met officials and the club council to discuss its problems.

“After our visit to Al Arabi Club in UAQ, we found out that part of the problem is a financial issue,” said Mr bin Ghalita. “They don’t have enough budget to run all the teams or games they have over here.

“The other activities are still running but there is not enough funds to support all activities.”

Mr bin Ghalita said the FNC would report to the General Authority of Youth and Sports Welfare. “The meeting was very fruitful,” he said.

“We got more information about what the problem is.

“This is the only club in UAQ serving the community, so we must find a solution for this to serve the whole community.”

The members were due to visit Al Jazeerah Al Hamra and Al Rams Cultural Sports Clubs on Monday, and Masfoot Club on Tuesday.

“The main point behind the checking of [UAQ’s club] was about the first team,” said Nasser Al Tallai, director of Al Arabi Club.

“The meeting discussed all problems and struggles that the club faces, including its withdrawal from the participation in the football association competition of the first team.”

Mr Al Tallai said all sports clubs suffered from a lack of financial support from the General Authority of Youth and Sports Welfare.

“The FNC is visiting all these clubs and then they are going to study the problems and try to find a solution.”