Gulf Cup committee rejects Bahrain protest over Madibo

26/09/2026

JEDDAH, Sept 26: The Gulf Cup Disciplinary Committee has rejected Bahrain’s protest against the participation of Qatar midfielder Assim Madibo in their Gulf Cup 27 clash, confirming that he was eligible to play.

Bahrain had claimed Madibo was ineligible because he was serving a five-match suspension imposed following an incident involving Qatar during the 2026 World Cup.

The committee ruled that the suspension does not apply to Gulf Cup 27, which is organized and governed by the Arabian Gulf Cup Football Federation and is separate from FIFA competitions.

Madibo will instead serve the five-match ban during Qatar’s matches in the 2030 World Cup qualifiers.

Qatar defeated Bahrain 2-0 to open its Gulf Cup campaign with three points.