AFC dismiss protest over eligibility of two Qatar players at Asian Cup

Questions had been raised over whether tournament finalists had breached rules with inclusion of Almoez Ali, a 22-year-old striker born in Sudan, and Bassam Al Rawi, a 21-year-old defender born in Baghdad, in their squad

A protest over the eligibility of Almoez Ali, pictured, and Bassam Al Rawi, has been dismissed by the AFC. AP Photo

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) have rejected a protest against the eligibility of two Qatar players in the country's Asian Cup squad.

The UAE Football Association had formally protested after Tuesday's semi-final loss to Qatar that Almoez Ali, a 22-year-old striker born in Sudan, and Bassam Al Rawi, a 21-year-old defender born in Baghdad, did not qualify to play for their opponents on residency grounds because they have not lived continuously in the Gulf state for at least five years over the age of 18.

The AFC said in a statement on Friday: "The Asian Football Confederation Disciplinary and Ethics Committee on Friday dismissed the protest lodged by the United Arab Emirates Football Association over the eligibility of two Qatar players."

Qatar take on Japan in the final of the competition at 6pm on Friday at Zayed Sports City in Abu Dhabi.