Shabib Al-Khaldi

KUWAIT CITY, July 24: The Kuwait Anti-Doping Agency has reduced the suspension of Kazma and Kuwait national team player Shabib Al-Khaldi, allowing him to resume training with his club starting August 25.

Initially banned for two years starting February 26, 2024, the sanction was imposed after Al-Khaldi refused to undergo a doping test during the Super Cup final between Kazma and Kuwait Club in January.

The Arab Club delegation departed today for the UAE to begin their second phase of preseason training, which runs until August 8. The camp includes two friendly matches against Hatta and Baniyas before the team travels to the Maldives for a crucial AFC Challenge League playoff against Maziya Sports Club on August 12.

The team is led by Portuguese coach Marco Alves and recently completed its first training phase last week, with most players in attendance. Arabi has bolstered its squad with two new foreign signings—French-Guinean midfielder Hassimi Fadiga and Ugandan striker Kenneth Semakula—joining existing Nigerian imports Ayano Iwuala and Christopher John. The club is also negotiating to sign a fifth foreign player.

Local additions include Hamed Al-Harbi and Aziz Nassari. Assistant coaches Ahmad Hael and Kenneth Semakula are expected to join the camp today or tomorrow.

Meanwhile, sources suggest that former Kuwait Club midfielder Talal Al-Fadhel is close to joining Arabi after his release from the club.

According to Iraqi media reports, Qadsiya’s Rashid Al-Dossari and Arabi’s Bandar Al-Salama have drawn interest from multiple Iraqi clubs for potential transfers in the upcoming season.

Preseason training kicks off tomorrow for Salmiya, Fahaheel, and Nasr as they prepare for the new 2024-2025 Zain Premier League season, which begins on September 12.

Other teams, including Arabi, Qadisiya, Kuwait Club, Kazma, and Yarmouk, have already started training earlier this month.

By Hassan Mosa

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff