By Mark Baber
January 21 – UAE’s 2-1 win over Iraq in extra-time of the final of the Gulf Cup on Saturday has triggering a staggering Dh137 million ($37.3million) of money and gifts for the players and technical staff from the Emirates’ rulers as extra reward for their achievement.
The final day of the tournament in Bahrain saw chaos as between3-4,000 UAE supporters were not allowed into the stadium as spectators from the earlier third place game refused to leave their seats.
Some supporters reportedly forced their way in and police and stewards inside the stadium took action, around 15 minutes into the match, to disperse a group of fans standing on a stairwell whilst others fans climbed on to the brick walls behind the goals and jostled for views in the overcrowded aisles.
Iraqi fans were similarly angry as many were turned back at Bahrain International Airport, claiming they were told by a Government official that he had received a directive to not let Iraqis in the country – either those with Iraqi passports or people of Iraqi heritage with foreign passports.
Sheikh Khalifa gave the players Dh50m ($13,6 million) when he met them on Saturday and this was followed by donations of Dh12m (£3.2 million) from Sheikh Rashid and Sheikh Saeed, the sons of Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid, the Minister of Finance and Dubai’s Deputy Ruler, Dh25m ($6.8 million) from Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum, the wife of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, the Vice President and Ruler of Dubai and Dh50m from Sheikh Mohammed himself.
Businesses and companies offering yet more cash and cars too and Al Ahli striker Ahmed Khalil was given a Range Rover for scoring the winner against Kuwait in the semi-final.
Yousuf Abdullah, secretary general of the UAE Football Association, said: “We’ve had great support from the rulers, who have always supported the team…This will give the players the responsibility to do their best in future competitions.”
The UAE’s ‘golden generation’ of young players now have their sights set on the Asian Cup and then the qualifiers for the 2018 World Cup. “I think we have a good chance and enough time to build this team very well,” Abdullah said.
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