FIFA hands UAE official 16-match ban for referee assault
FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee has handed UAE national team official Matar Obaid Saeed Mesfer Al Dhaheri a 16-match suspension and $12,400 fine for misconduct and physically assaulting a referee during the 2026 World Cup qualifier between Qatar and the UAE in Doha.
The October 14 match ended 2–1 in favour of Qatar, with second-half goals from Boualem Khouki and Pedro Miguel sealing the Maroons’ second-ever World Cup qualification in a tense, heated contest.
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FIFA also imposed a two-match suspension and a 5,000 Swiss franc (around $6,000) fine on Qatari defender Tarek Salman, who was sent off late in the game for dangerous play.
According to FIFA’s disciplinary report, chaos erupted after the final whistle, with fans clashing and throwing objects onto the pitch. The governing body said the sanctions were part of broader efforts to uphold discipline and maintain security.
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In a separate ruling, the Saudi Arabian Football Federation was fined $14,200 for breaching order and security regulations after fans ignited fireworks during their 0–0 draw against Iraq, a result that sealed Saudi Arabia’s qualification for the 2026 tournament.
The UAE national team will next face Iraq in a two-leg playoff, first in Abu Dhabi next Thursday and then in Basra on June 18, to determine who advances to the intercontinental playoff for a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
