Dubai ruler suddenly merges three top-tier clubs into one team – without telling them
THREE clubs in are in shock after they were suddenly merged into one by the ruler of Dubai – without being told
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum threw the top division of the UAE Pro League into disarray by turning Al-Ahli, Al Shabab and newly-promoted Dubai Club into Shabab Al Ahli Dubai Club.
Al-Ahli star Ioannis Fetfatzidis closes on Al-Faisaly player Omar Abdulaziz but his team has suddenly been merged with two city rivalsEPA
Al Shabab had to call off a press conference unveiling their new manager Miroslav Djukic.
And Al-Ahli are still contesting the Asian Champions League.
Even more bizarrely, the Sheikh’s decree ordering the change came the night before the fixtures for the 2017/18 season were due out.
He says his aim is to develop a super-club to compete in Asia and the world.
The new Shabab Al Ahli Dubai Club is expected to have this kitAl-Shabab player Sultan Al-Doayea tangles with Al-Ettifaq ace Hazza Al-HazzaEPAFIFA President Gianni Infantino greets the Dubai ruler, Sheikh Maktoum Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who forced the three-club mergerGetty Images
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Sheikh Maktoum Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum was at the Royal Windosr Horse Show with the Queen last weekRex Features
And a new logo and kit have already been put together.
A surprise beneficiary could be Argentina legend Diego Maradona and his new club Fujairah FC.
If the division downsizes from 14 to 12 clubs, second-tier Fujairah might earn a play-off spot for promotion.
But relegated teams Baniyas and Kalba will hope for a reprieve.
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