Smoke rose from the crowd during the Zain Premier League match between Al-Arabi and Kuwait Club.

KUWAIT CITY, May 17: Al-Arabi and Kuwait Club will wrap up their final training sessions this evening as both teams gear up for tomorrow’s highly anticipated Crown Prince Cup Final.

With the title on the line, the coaching staff of both sides has intensified tactical preparations, aiming to deliver a performance worthy of the occasion. Al-Arabi, in particular, enters the match seeking redemption after losing the Zain Premier League title last week, falling 2-1 to Kuwait Club in the final round of the season.

The final comes just days after the Kuwait Football Association’s Disciplinary Committee announced a series of penalties following disturbances that erupted during the recent league clash between the two sides.

Al-Arabi players Sofiane Bouchar, Emmanuel Iwala, and Hamza Khaba were each suspended for two league matches and fined KWD 1,000. Additionally, Jassim Taqi, a member of the club’s fan association, received a three-month stadium ban and was fined KWD 1,000 for offensive behavior on the social platform X, under Article 58 of the Disciplinary Regulations.

Another Al-Arabi supporter, Abdulaziz Al-Darbas, was handed a one-year stadium ban and fined KWD 500 after storming the pitch and engaging in an altercation with Kuwait Club players.

The club itself was fined KWD 8,000 for repeated infractions by its fans, which included throwing smoke bombs, sound bombs, and chanting offensive slogans.

Kuwait Club players Sami Al-Sanea, Ayman Abu Al-Fath, Mohammed Daham, and Ahmed Al-Zanki were each suspended for two league matches and fined KWD 1,000 under Article 60. Amr Abdel-Fattah received a KWD 500 fine for physical altercations with Al-Darbas, while photographer Nasser Bin Nasser was suspended for two matches and fined KWD 500 for his involvement in the incident.

A press conference for the Crown Prince Cup Final will be held at noon today at Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium, featuring the head coach and one player from each team. The session is expected to address the teams' strategies, preparations, and remarks ahead of the cup showdown.

By Hassan Mosa

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff