KUWAIT CITY, Jan 9: In an unprecedented move, Al-Qadisiya Club has triggered a dispute with the Football Association by refusing to release nine of its players for inclusion in both the national team and Olympic team during the current preparation period.

The club, in a letter sent to the Football Association, cited a lack of communication and formal summoning of the players within the specified period, as outlined in international regulations for player status. Al-Qadisiya asserted its right to withhold players, citing Article 1, Paragraph 2 of the Appendix on the International Status and Transfer of Players.

The letter concluded by expressing apologies for the inability to release players, citing the team's need for their efforts in future competitions.

The Football Association expressed surprise at Al-Qadisiya's refusal, especially given the suspension of local competitions. The national team is gearing up for matches against Qatar, while the Olympic team is preparing for the Asian Cup finals in Qatar.

Despite this rift, the national teams have proceeded with their preparations. The Blue delegation, led by Portuguese coach Rui Pinto, includes five players from Al-Qadisiya. Meanwhile, the Olympic team, coached by Emilio Peixe, selected four players from the club.

The standoff raises concerns for the players, particularly the younger ones aspiring to represent their country. It also poses challenges for the teams, with potential repercussions on performance and overall team dynamics.

Amid the crisis, the technical staff may limit the Cairo camp to 18 players, foregoing alternative options. Notable inclusions in Pinto's selections are Suleiman Bouramia, Khaled Al-Ajaji, Othman Al-Shammari, and Abdul Mohsen Al-Ajmi. Returnees to the national team include Muhammad Al-Huwaidi, along with new faces like Abdul Rahman Kamil, Sami Al-Sanea, Fahd Al-Hajri, and others.

Peixe, in his Olympic team selections, named players such as Abdul Rahman Al-Fadhli, Fahd Al-Azmi, Moaz Al-Anzi, and more. The dispute casts uncertainty over the teams' preparations, potentially affecting the composition and performance of both squads in upcoming competitions.

Khaled El Anzi

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff