Football fans in the UAE can now enjoy the game from the stands with the news that spectators will now be allowed to attend the Adnoc Pro League, which kicks-off the new season on Thursday.
The UAE Pro League, in coordination with the UAE Football Association and the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority, has capped the crowd capacity at 60 per cent per game for matches in the Adnoc Pro League, Pro League Cup, UAE Super Cup.
Entry is restricted to spectators 16 years and above. Fans whose Al Hosn app shows green status, proving that they have received either a booster dose of the Covid-19 vaccine or the second dose less than six months ago, will be allowed entry.
The fans will also have to present a negative PCR test result valid for 48 hours from the match day and they will have to adhere to precautionary measures, undergo temperature tests, wear face masks, and maintain social distancing.
The opening round of the Adnoc Pro League will see Emirates host Shabab Al Ahli in Ras Al Khaimah, while Al Wahda take the long journey to face the promoted Al Orooba in Fujairah in the early games. Ajman will be at home to Al Nasr in the late match.
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Al Jazira were presented with the Arabian Gulf League trophy after easing past Khorfakkan 3-1 in the final game of the season on Tuesday, May 11. Victor Besa / The National. -
Jazira ended the season with 17 wins from 26 games, suffering only three defeats. Victor Besa / The National. -
Jazira celebrate after winning 3-1 over Khorfakkan to be crowned UAE champions. Victor Besa / The National -
The victory means Jazira have become UAE champions for the third time. Victor Besa / The National -
The Arabian Gulf League final game was held at the Mohamed bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National. -
Al Jazira players during the first half. Victor Besa / The National -
Jazira's Abdullah Ramadan, right, battles for possession with Ismail Al Hammadi of Khorfakkan. Victor Besa / The National -
Jazira's Thulani Serero heads the ball. Victor Besa / The National -
Milos Kosanovic of Jazira is booked in the first half. Victor Besa / The National -
Jazira's Thulani Serero goes down looking for a foul. Victor Besa / The National -
Khorfakkan's Bruno Lamas challenges Jazira's Thulani Serero for a header. Victor Besa / The National -
Paulinho of Khorfakkan claims a foul. Victor Besa / The National -
Play is stopped after a Jazira player is injured in the second half. Victor Besa / The National
On Friday, defending champions Al Jazira play Al Dhafra at the Mohamed bin Zayed Stadium and Khorfakkan host Al Ain in the two early games. Sharjah meets Kalba and Baniyas takes on Al Wasl in the late matches.
It was another positive news for the sport in the country. Earlier in August, UAE's top football division was renamed the Adnoc Pro League following a record Dh80 million deal with Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc) to become title sponsors.
The deal is the single largest sponsorship in the league’s history. Abdulla Naser Al Junaibi, UAE Pro League Chairman, had said the sponsorship reflects the important role played by the UAE Pro League and its influence on society.
“We are excited to work in partnership with Adnoc as we seek to drive change which will benefit players, spectators and the wider football community across the UAE,” he said.
“The agreement goes beyond monetary goals, as we look to develop a strategic partnership that creates added value through its ability to achieve tangible results on the ground in the coming years.”
