MUSCAT: The Oman Football Association (OFA) has taken decisive action following the controversy surrounding the national youth team’s semi-final match against Yemen in the GCC U20 Championship in Saudi Arabia. In its statement, the OFA confirmed the suspension of both the assistant coach and the media coordinator of the youth team, barring them temporarily from all national team activities. An independent committee has also been formed to investigate the incident and provide an official report on the matter, ensuring transparency and accountability in handling the situation.
In addition to internal measures, the OFA submitted a formal letter of protest to the Gulf Football Association. The letter cited circumstances that led to what it described as a “loss of control” during the match against Yemen, stressing that such conditions had a direct impact on the game’s outcome and the events that followed. By escalating the matter to regional authorities, the OFA seeks to highlight the seriousness of the issues and ensure that Omani football is not disadvantaged in future tournaments.
The Association also raised its concerns with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) regarding the hosting conditions of the Olympic team’s recent match. According to the OFA, certain conditions compromised player safety and preparation, undermining fair competition. These grievances were formally communicated to the AFC in writing, underscoring that such circumstances could negatively affect Oman’s teams as they prepare for critical upcoming qualifiers, including the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers scheduled to take place in Doha.
Reaffirming its commitment to Omani football, the OFA stressed that it will continue to pursue all necessary procedures through official channels. The statement emphasized that safeguarding the rights, safety, and integrity of Oman’s national teams remains a top priority. By taking a firm stance in both domestic and international arenas, the Association aims to ensure that Omani teams are treated fairly, adequately protected, and provided with the best possible environment to compete at both continental and global levels.
