Latest news with #UAEProLeague
Gulf Today
4 days ago
- Sport
- Gulf Today
VIDEO: Sheikh Mohammed receives Shabab Al Ahli Football Club, says sports vital for UAE's development
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, received Shabab Al Ahli football team at Zabeel Palace in recognition of their outstanding performance during the 2024-2025 sports season, in which they secured four titles. Sheikh Mohammed congratulated the players, technical and administrative staff, as well as board members on a season crowned with multiple achievements. The reception was attended by Sheikh Maktoum Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, and Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai. Sheikh Mohammed said that the sports sector is essential to the UAE's development strategy, contributing to human progress and strengthening the country's position internationally. He emphasised that the leadership's continued support for the sector reflects a strong belief in sport to nurture role models, instil values, and shape a confident, ambitious generation. Sheikh Mohammed also reaffirmed the leadership's support for athletes and clubs to help them excel on the global stage. He stressed that sports clubs should serve as platforms for developing champions, both in term skill and character. Addressing the players, Sheikh Mohammed commended their determination and team spirit, noting that while reaching first place is a significant achievement, maintaining that position is the greater challenge. Sheikh Mohammed joined members of the team for a commemorative photo, encouraging them to sustain their high performance and expressing confidence in their ability to proudly represent the UAE in the upcoming competitions. The reception was also attended by Khalifa Saeed bin Sulaiman, Deputy Chairman of the Board of Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai Club. The Dubai-based team clinched 4 titles with a commanding performance throughout the season, including their ninth UAE Pro League championship, UAE President's Cup for the 11th time, the UAE Super Cup, and the UAE-Qatar Super Cup. WAM
Gulf Today
24-05-2025
- Sport
- Gulf Today
Sharjah beat Khorfakkan in six-goal thriller
Sharjah staged a dramatic and second-half comeback to beat Khorfakkan 4–2 on Thursday in Matchweek 25 of the UAE Pro League, delivering a performance full of grit, flair, and resilience at the Saqr Bin Mohammad Al Qassimi Stadium. The evening began with early dominance from the home side, Khorfakkan, who looked set for a comfortable win after a strong first-half showing. Aylton Filipe opened the scoring in just the 6th minute, pouncing on a goalkeeping error to put his team ahead. The pressure continued to mount on Sharjah, and in the 32nd minute, Moroccan forward Tarik Tissoudali coolly slotted home a second goal, doubling Khorfakkan's lead and sending the home fans into raptures. However, the match turned on its head in the second half as Sharjah emerged from the dressing room with renewed energy and purpose. Brazilian midfielder Luan Pereira sparked the fightback with a well-taken goal in the 54th minute, giving his side hope and momentum. Sharjah continued to press forward, and their persistence paid off in the 82nd minute when Tunisian star Firas Ben Larbi curled in a stunning free-kick to level the score at 2–2. The turnaround was completed just three minutes later. In the 85th minute, Luan Pereira rose high in the box to meet a cross with a thunderous header, putting Sharjah in front for the first time in the match and silencing the home crowd. With Khorfakkan reeling, Sharjah didn't let up. Deep into stoppage time, Guinean forward Ousmane Camara struck in the 97th minute, firing home Sharjah's fourth goal and sealing a remarkable victory in emphatic fashion. The win marks a significant step forward for Sharjah, who now climb to second place in the league table with 48 points, just behind the leaders in the title race. For Khorfakkan, it was a bitter pill to swallow after such a promising first half. Meanwhile, the UAE Pro League has been honored with the 2025 SPIA Award for Best Entity in Sports Fan Engagement Through Media in the Middle East', in recognition of its outstanding success in connecting with fans through impactful media content and strategic digital outreach. The award was presented in collaboration with TikTok, following intense competition with prominent organisations across the region. Presented by the globally renowned ASPIA Sports Industry Awards, the accolade celebrates excellence in the development and promotion of sports in the Middle East. The UAE Pro League's innovative approach and media strategies have positioned it as a regional leader in fan engagement and content delivery. Through a series of high-impact programs produced and shared across TikTok and other major social media platforms, the League has significantly enhanced the visibility of Emirati football. These efforts have not only promoted the UAE Pro League's competitions but have also spotlighted its sponsors, strengthened community engagement, and elevated the overall commercial and marketing value of its events. This recognition is a testament to the League's commitment to its 2020–2030 strategic vision, which focuses on increasing fan involvement, fostering digital transformation, and expanding the global footprint of Emirati football.
New Paper
18-05-2025
- Sport
- New Paper
Wounded Sharjah up for revenge to 'get the trophy they deserve' in ACL2
After losing the United Arab Emirates President's Cup final and ceding the UAE Pro League to Shabab Al-Ahli in a winless run of five games, Sharjah FC's season looked like it was going pear-shaped after a promising start. Wounded they may be, but the Emirati club could be dangerous as they attempt to salvage their campaign with their first piece of continental silverware when they face hosts Lion City Sailors in the AFC Champions League Two (ACL2) final at Bishan Stadium on May 18. At the pre-match press conference on May 17, Sharjah coach Cosmin Olaroiu said: "We always learn from every game, and we knew this would be a very tough season for us and we are going to struggle a lot. "By the work of these fantastic players, we are in the ACL2 final, which is a big achievement for the club. Now we have the last battle, our last final, and we have to focus. "We didn't deserve to lose the President's Cup final, but now it's time to take revenge and get the trophy the players deserve. We come here with the idea to take the trophy, and try not to disappoint our fans and families. We should be able to make one more effort, it doesn't matter how much it will cost us, to try to win this game." Before a ball had been kicked, the visitors went on the offensive as early as April. They had asked the organisers for "the allocation of a suitable stadium worthy of the AFC (Asian Football Confederation) Champions League 2 final", citing concerns over the Jalan Besar Stadium's 6,000 capacity and artificial pitch - the facility was used for the tournament's earlier rounds. The final was eventually moved to Bishan Stadium, which underwent upgrades to spruce up the natural turf, increase the capacity from around 3,000 to 10,000, and improve the lighting. Sharjah forward Caio Lucas said: "Sometimes it's hard to play on an artificial pitch, that's why we complained about that." Olaroiu added: "My point of view is that the final should be in a much proper stadium with a bigger capacity, because football is for the fans. Of course, all the other things like the quality of the pitch should have maximum standards, because it's a final and it is publicity for football in Asia. "They have made big efforts to fix these problems, and now we are here... our target is to win. We have to follow what we have to do and forget about all the other things." The team arrived in Singapore on May 14 with a full squad, including Brazil-born Emiratis like fullback Marcus Meloni and attackers Luanzinho and Lucas. Despite recent domestic struggles, they have shown fighting spirit in the second-tier Asian club competition, winning in the round of 16 and quarter-finals on penalties - with goalkeeper Adel Al-Hosani making four shoot-out saves - and coming from behind to beat Al-Taawoun in the semi-finals. Olaroiu complimented the Sailors for being "well-organised and well-prepared, with very good quality in front". Sharjah coach Cosmin Olaroiu complimented the Sailors for being "well-organised and well-prepared, with very good quality in front". PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO The 55-year-old Romanian added: "They know how to use the spaces in transition. We have to take them seriously and with a lot of professionalism. Tomorrow, the team that find a way to have more self-control, play with maximum potential and peak in the final will win, and we hope it will be us." Sharjah will also be looking to give Olaroiu the perfect send-off, as the coach will take over the UAE national team from their next World Cup qualifier against Uzbekistan in Abu Dhabi on June 5. Caio said: "We try our best in every game to listen to what coach tells us and win each match. It will be a pleasure for us to give him this win and trophy."
Straits Times
17-05-2025
- Sport
- Straits Times
Wounded Sharjah up for revenge to ‘get the trophy they deserve' in ACL2
(From left to right): Sharjah FC's Cho Yu-min, Caio Lucas, Adel Taarabt and Luanzinho Adel Taarabt in action during the team's training session ahead of the ACL2 final against Lion City Sailors. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO Wounded Sharjah up for revenge to 'get the trophy they deserve' in ACL2 SINGAPORE – After losing the United Arab Emirates President's Cup final and ceding the UAE Pro League to Shabab Al-Ahli in a winless run of five games, Sharjah FC's season looked like it was going pear-shaped after a promising start. Wounded they may be, but the Emirati club could be dangerous as they attempt to salvage their campaign with their first piece of continental silverware when they face hosts Lion City Sailors in the Asian Champions League 2 final at Bishan Stadium on May 18. At the pre-match press conference on May 17, Sharjah coach Cosmin Olaroiu said: 'We always learn from every game, and we knew this would be a very tough season for us and we are going to struggle a lot. 'By the work of these fantastic players, we are in the ACL 2 final, which is a big achievement for the club. Now we have the last battle, our last final, and we have to focus. 'We didn't deserve to lose the President's Cup final, but now it's time to take revenge and get the trophy the players deserve. We come here with the idea to take the trophy, and try not to disappoint our fans and families. We should be able to make one more effort, it doesn't matter how much it will cost us, to try to win this game.' Before a ball had been kicked, the visitors went on the offensive as early as April. They had asked organisers for 'the allocation of a suitable stadium worthy of the AFC (Asian Football Confederation) Champions League 2 final', citing concerns over the Jalan Besar Stadium's 6,000 capacity and artificial pitch – the facility was used for the tournament's earlier rounds. The final was eventually moved to Bishan Stadium, which underwent upgrades to spruce up the natural turf, increase the capacity from around 3,000 to 10,000, and improve the lighting. Sharjah forward Caio Lucas said: 'Sometimes it's hard to play on an artificial pitch, that's why we complained about that.' Olaroiu added: 'My point of view is that the final should be in a much proper stadium with a bigger capacity, because football is for the fans. Of course, all the other things like the quality of the pitch should have maximum standards, because it's a final and it is publicity for football in Asia. 'They have made big efforts to fix these problems, and now we are here... our target is to win. We have to follow what we have to do and forget about all the other things.' The team arrived in Singapore on May 14 and have a full complement of players to pick from, including a clutch of Brazil-born Emiratis such as full-back Marcus Meloni and attackers Luanzinho and Lucas. Despite their recent domestic woes, they have shown their fighting spirit in the second-tier Asian club competition, winning in the last 16 and quarter-finals on penalties – goalkeeper Adel Al-Hosani made four saves in the shoot-out in total – and coming from behind to beat Al Taawoun in the semi-finals. Olaroiu complimented the Sailors for being 'well-organised and well-prepared, with very good quality in front'. Sharjah coach Cosmin Olaroiu complimented the Sailors for being 'well-organised and well-prepared, with very good quality in front'. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO The 55-year-old Romanian added: 'They know how to use the spaces in transition. We have to take them seriously and with a lot of professionalism. Tomorrow, the team that find a way to have more self-control, play with maximum potential and peak in the final will win, and we hope it will be us.' The Sharjah players will also be looking to give Olaroiu the perfect sendoff, as the coach will take over the UAE national team from their next World Cup qualifier against Uzbekistan in Abu Dhabi on June 5. Caio said: 'We try our best in every game to listen to what coach tells us and win each match. It will be a pleasure for us to give him this win and trophy.' David Lee is senior sports correspondent at The Straits Times focusing on aquatics, badminton, basketball, cue sports, football and table tennis. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Toronto Star
08-05-2025
- Sport
- Toronto Star
Dubai police make several arrests over disturbances after a local soccer match
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Dubai police arrested several people involved in fights after a weekend soccer match between UAE Pro League clubs Shabab Al Ahli and Al Wasl in a rare disturbance in the tightly policed sheikhdom. Officers used surveillance footage to identify suspects, Maj. Gen. Abdullah Al Ghaith said in a statement Wednesday. Police didn't say how many people were arrested.
