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Al Rumaithi participates in “Stadium discipline and Fighting Riot” conference

H.E. Mohammed Thani Murshed Al Rumaithi, Vice President of the UAE Football Association, Chairman of the Pro League Committee (PLC), has participated in the “Stadium discipline and Fighting Riot” conference, which was organized by the UAE Police Sports Federation at Abu Dhabi Police Club under the patronage of Lt. General HH Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior.

The first session was attended by Major-General Hamid Mohammed Al Hudaidi, Commander-in-Chief of Sharjah Police, H.E. Ibrahim Abdul Malik, Secretary General of the General Authority of Youth and Sports Welfare and H.E. Dr. Ahmed Saad Al Sharif, Secretary General of Dubai Sports Council. 

At the outset of his speech, Al Rumaithi said: “Thanks to the UAE’s wise leadership, the phenomenon of rioting at stadia in general is very rare. Since 2008 there have only been 18 incidents of rioting at football stadia in the UAE, and appropriate action was taken in each case. Despite the rarity of these occurrences we must continue to reduce this phenomenon fully, with the cooperation of all concerned stakeholders including clubs, media, the Football Association, the Pro League Committee and police.”

Al Rumaithi stressed the importance of further engaging sports fans in the UAE via collaborative efforts between all stakeholders, following the recent success of the National Team. “With the Gulf Cup 21, which was held in Bahrain, we noted that the UAE fans turned up in their masses to cheer on and support the team. This is the culture of the UAE fans wherever they go. We have to work together to further engage these sports fans, and this will go a long way to helping us increase the number of football fans here, in accordance with the requirements of the Asian Football Confederation.”