Players are battling for the ball.

KUWAIT CITY, Sept 20: Al-Arabi has lodged an official protest with the Kuwait Handball Federation against Qadsia, accusing the club of fielding three foreign professionals in their recent league clash. The match, played on September 15 as part of the fourth round of the Premier League, ended in a 29-25 victory for Qadsia.

In its complaint, Arabi argued that Qadsia violated a directive issued by the Public Authority for Sports (No. 11163/2025), which had nullified two decisions of the Handball Federation and prohibited the use of three professionals in league matches. Arabi has requested the result be overturned, with Qadsia deemed losers by a 0-10 scoreline in accordance with league rules and regulations.

The fourth-round fixtures, held at Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Sports Complex, also saw Qadsia defeat Al-Nasr 33-23, while Burgan and Arabi played out a thrilling 39-39 draw.

The current league standings place Kuwait Club on top with six points, level with Burgan but ahead on goal difference. Kazma follow with five points, Qadsia sit on four, while Arabi, Salmiya, and Sulaibikhat share three points each. Al-Nasr remains without a win.

Kuwait Club, Kazma, and Sulaibikhat were absent from the round due to their participation in the ongoing 40th Arab Club Championship in Kuwait, which concludes tomorrow.

Meanwhile, Qadsia announced the termination of Croatian professional Nadim Hadzic’s contract. Sami Bouyabes, head of the club’s handball operations, confirmed that the Yellow Castle is seeking a replacement capable of meeting the team’s ambitions to challenge for the league title.

By Khaled Al-Enezi

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff