Al-Ittihad is “confident” of gaining Sepahan points… and the disciplinary decision will be made “within a week.”
Informed sources revealed to Asharq Al-Awsat that officials at Al-Ittihad Club as well as the Saudi Football Association are “confident” of winning points for the “Asian” match between Al-Ittihad and Iran’s Sepahan, in light of the documented documents that were delivered to the Tajik match observer Islamov, in addition to what the observer wrote down. While sources indicate that the decision of the AFC Disciplinary Committee will be issued within a week.
Al-Ittihad withdrew from competing in the confrontation that was scheduled to be held at Naghsh-e Jahan Stadium in Isfahan by an “Asian decision.” This is due to the host club committing organizational violations that are not related to the nature of the confrontation.
Legal experts stressed to Asharq Al-Awsat the need for the Continental Federation to take a firm stance towards these actions that violate sports laws and regulations to avoid their recurrence in the future.
Khaled Al-Muhammadi, the legal advisor, said in an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat that the AFC faces a difficult challenge to stand firmly against such violations committed by the host team, and its failure to implement the regulatory requirements, by imposing severe punishment and not tolerating such incidents.
Al-Muhammadi pointed out that “any expressions that violate the statute, or suggestions that are not related to football, are completely prohibited by the rules and regulations of the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) and punished, as are the regulations of the Asian Confederation.”
He added: “The new amendments to the AFC and Article 58, as well as Article 3, Paragraph 3 of the AFC Statute, prohibit such actions, and are punishable by a fine estimated at $20,000 and moving the match to a neutral stadium, or playing without an audience if the incidents were caused by the audience, and the penalty amounts to To deduct 3 points from the team that caused these incidents, which may lead to exclusion from the tournament.”
Al-Mohammadi suggested that the Continental Federation would issue a statement rejecting these actions and violations that occurred and are prohibited by the laws and regulations, with an emphasis on not repeating them, in addition to deducting match points and deeming the federation a winner, with a financial fine imposed as a severe punishment for such actions.
He added: “Given the long history of Saudi football with the AFC and the latter’s positions, I expect that the punishment will be holding the match on a neutral stadium, with a financial fine imposed on the Iranian club,” noting: “Unfortunately, such a punishment will not be severe, and it may push others to repeat such matters.” “This calls on the continent’s federation to take a firm stance and impose a severe punishment.”
For his part, Mohammed Al-Ratoui, a legal expert who specializes in sports affairs, confirmed that the punishment was of course imposed on the Sepahan team for violating the rules and regulations, noting: “The Asian Confederation is in an unenviable position, and I expect the Continental Confederation to be strong in making its decision by counting the Saudi team as the winner of the match.” ».
He added: “The rules and regulations of the International Federation absolutely refuse to involve sports in any matters or actions that are not related to football, and the penalties are severe for that, and the Asian Confederation is required to do its part and protect the sports system from any transgression.”
He pointed out that “the reactions were all positive, and Al-Ittihad Club took legal steps to guarantee its rights, and its position is strong, as it appeared on the match field and in turn as the match observer, according to the circulating reports, giving the Iranian club an opportunity to correct the violations in line with the requirements of the Continental Federation and the football system, and paid The host team does not go beyond canceling the match and referring it to the relevant committees.”
2023-10-04 01:38:47
#Hangzhou #Masters #Saudi #Ghazouani #wins #gold #800m
