In this file photo, Al-Arabi and Kuwait Club players fight for the ball during a league match.

KUWAIT CITY, July 8: The controversy surrounding Al-Arabi player Hassan Hamdan's "departure" has deepened, with the Kuwait Football Association (KFA) citing FIFA regulations that require player cards to be issued within 72 hours of request, regardless of contract status.

The latest development comes as Al-Arabi SC filed formal complaints with FIFA and the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) against the KFA, the Public Authority for Sports, the Kuwait Olympic Committee, and Kuwait Club. The club is seeking the retroactive cancellation of Kuwait Club’s results for the past two seasons, alleging violations of sports laws and transfer regulations.

Al-Ahli Club had requested an international transfer certificate (ITC) for Hamdan to complete his registration, despite Hamdan's current contract with Al-Arabi running until 2027. However, the KFA responded that FIFA regulations require associations to issue a player’s card through the TMS (Transfer Matching System) without delay, even in cases where a contract dispute exists.

In a letter sent to Al-Arabi, the KFA clarified that it had no authority to deny the issuance of Hamdan’s ITC and warned that failure to comply could subject the association to disciplinary measures.

“Our role is strictly procedural. Any contractual or financial dispute between the player and the club must be addressed by the FIFA Dispute Resolution Chamber,” the association stated.

The KFA confirmed receiving a request from the Jordan Football Association on July 3 for Hamdan's ITC. Although Al-Arabi formally objected—claiming Hamdan remains under contract—the association proceeded, attaching Al-Arabi’s objection within the TMS but continuing the transfer process in compliance with international guidelines.

Al-Arabi had attempted to register a new contract for Hamdan dated June 1, 2025. However, the KFA rejected this registration, citing an overlap with an existing contract that expires in June 2027. This would exceed the five-year maximum contract length allowed under FIFA rules unless accompanied by a release document proving early termination of the first contract.

“The Kuwait Football Association affirms its full commitment to FIFA regulations and denies taking any irregular actions,” the statement concluded.

Al-Arabi’s legal representative, Mutlaq Al-Jadaei, emphasized that the complaint also includes a challenge to Mohammed Daham’s transfer from Al-Nasr to Kuwait Club, which the club claims was conducted in violation of regulations.

In a public statement, Al-Jadaei revealed:

“A sports arbitration case has been filed on behalf of Al-Arabi Club’s chairman against the KFA, Kuwait Club, and others. The aim is to annul Daham’s transfer and retroactively strip Kuwait Club of all titles from the 2023–2024 and 2024–2025 seasons, pending the arbitration ruling.”

Al-Arabi has called on the Kuwait Football Association to remain neutral and to shield the complaint process from any outside interference. The club also urged the CAS to ensure strict adherence to legal procedures throughout its review.