The UAE Football Association condemns Al Ain Club’s public statements and confirms legal proceedings, while reminding clubs of the official channel to request foreign referees.
UAEFA Responds Firmly to Al Ain’s Referee Remarks
In a sharp escalation of tensions between a leading UAE football Al Ain club and the country’s governing body, the UAE Football Association (UAEFA) announced that it will take legal action against Al Ain Club following the latter’s public criticism of refereeing decisions during their 2-1 win over Al Batayeh Sports Club.
The dispute began after Al Ain published a strongly worded statement on its official channels, calling attention to what it described as “numerous controversial refereeing incidents” in the match. While Al Ain reiterated its overall support for UAE’s refereeing system, it emphasized that repeated officiating errors could have a direct impact on team results and competition fairness.
“The Club firmly rejects the continued occurrence of mistakes that could negatively affect the team’s results in our domestic competitions,” read Al Ain’s statement.
UAEFA’s Firm Stance on Referee Integrity
In response, UAEFA issued an immediate and strongly-worded rebuttal. The Association condemned the club’s public questioning of referee integrity, labeling such statements as “unacceptable and harmful” to the game’s ethics and operational systems.
“We categorically reject any questioning of the integrity and competence of Emirati referees,” UAEFA said. “Such public commentary undermines the professionalism of our officials, who operate under clear standards set by experienced committees.”
The Association emphasized that it alone is responsible for the development and oversight of the refereeing system in the UAE — a system built on training, accountability, and international best practices.
Legal Action Confirmed
UAEFA revealed that it will initiate legal proceedings against Al Ain Club and any individuals who continue to publicly disparage the Association or its members without following proper grievance procedures.
The statement also referenced a growing number of administrative violations by Al Ain Club over the past two seasons, noting that UAEFA had so far handled them with professionalism through internal mechanisms. However, the Association now expects the Al Ain club to refocus on internal performance and refrain from engaging in public disputes that fall outside their jurisdiction.
Foreign Referees Option Available to All Clubs
In a clarification directed at Al Ain and other clubs, UAEFA reminded the public that there is a formal process in place for requesting foreign referees if any club has legitimate concerns over local officiating.
“Should a club be dissatisfied with the performance of a match official, they may submit a request for foreign referees through the approved mechanism,” the statement added.
This mechanism ensures that all concerns are addressed transparently and within the framework of professional sports governance — not through public media or social channels.
Club’s Reaction: Legal Countermeasures on the Table
Shortly after UAEFA’s announcement, Al Ain Club issued a brief follow-up, reiterating that it is reviewing its legal options and will act to protect the rights of its players, staff, and reputation. The club maintains that its statement aimed only to highlight performance concerns without maligning any individual.
This unfolding scenario has sparked widespread attention from fans, commentators, and football organizations, with many watching closely to see whether this case sets a precedent for how clubs and governing bodies communicate disputes publicly in the UAE’s growing football scene.