Requests by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Bahrain to delay December's Gulf Nations Cup had been rejected, however, the Arab Gulf Cup Football Federation (AGCFF) said. "The tournament is going ahead on time," AGCFF General Secretary Jassim al-Rumaithi told reporters after the draw. The other nations scheduled to play in the tournament are Iraq, Oman, Yemen and Qatar. In June, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and other Arab states cut political and economic ties with Qatar over accusations that Qatar supports terrorism -- a charge Doha denies. Oman Football Association general secretary Said Othman al-Bulushi said that delaying the Gulf Nations Cup would be damaging for regional football.

Source: The Star September 25, 2017 12:45 UTC