FIFA cancels Arab Cup third-place match between UAE and Saudi Arabia

The UAE Football Association has announced that the Arab Cup third-place match between the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia in Doha was called off by FIFA after severe weather conditions made play impossible. Continuous heavy rainfall left the surface at Khalifa International Stadium unsafe for competition.

The encounter reached halftime with the score level, but intense rain during the break caused widespread waterlogging on the pitch, resulting in a delay of over two and a half hours. Despite extensive recovery efforts, the field could not be restored to a playable condition.

In a bid to rescue the match, Chilean referee Cristian Garay, in consultation with the match commissioner, granted two 30-minute postponements. Nearly 100 ground staff worked relentlessly for more than two hours to clear standing water from the field, but their efforts fell short.

When discussions to restart the game took place, UAE head coach Cosmin Olaroiu and Saudi Arabia head coach Hervé Renard both refused to continue, emphasizing concerns over player safety and the risk of injury.

Following their joint decision, the tournament’s organizing committee confirmed the match’s cancellation and stated that a comprehensive report would be submitted to determine the allocation of third place.

The situation was further complicated by the lack of a specific clause in the Arab Cup regulations addressing such extraordinary circumstances.

Officials confirmed that the match would not be declared a draw, and a replay the next day is considered highly unlikely, as the tournament concludes with the final between Jordan and Morocco later that day.

Prior to the suspension, the opening half had been played under normal conditions. The UAE adopted a revised tactical approach, switching to a 4-4-2 formation and focusing on attacks from the wings through Bruno Oliveira and Sultan Adel, moving away from the earlier 4-2-3-1 setup.

The tactical adjustment nearly produced an early breakthrough when Ali Saleh advanced down the left side in the 12th minute, forcing a rebound from the goalkeeper, but Yahya Al Ghassani failed to convert from close range. Saudi Arabia also had a goal by Salem Al Dawsari disallowed for offside, as both teams created opportunities before worsening conditions brought the contest to an early halt.