Asian Qualifiers. Qatar could face disciplinary action from FIFA

Qatar’s national team could face disciplinary action from Fifa after players warmed up for a World Cup qualifier against South Korea in T-shirts showing support for the country’s emir.

The players prepared for the crucial game in Doha wearing white shirts emblazoned with a profile portrait of Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani. The image has become a widely-used symbol of defiance by Qataris in response to the current diplomatic crisis in the Gulf which has seen Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain and others cut all ties with Doha.

The T-shirt was also waved by attacking midfielder Hasan Al-Haydos after he put the Qataris 1-0 ahead from a free-kick in the 25th minute.After scoring, Haydos sprinted to the touchline and held up a T-shirt to the crowd. 

The show of support from the national football team comes during the worst diplomatic crisis witnessed in the Gulf for years. Saudi and its allies claim they have moved in response to Qatar’s support for “terrorism”, a charge strongly denied by Doha, which says the diplomatic isolation is “unjust”.

According to the regulations of 2018 FIFA World Cup (also Qualification Round), the participating member associations shall comply with the FIFA Equipment Regulations in force. The display of political, religious or personal messages or slogans in any language or form by players and officials on their playing or team kits, equipment (including kit bags, beverage containers, medical bags, etc.) or body is prohibited. The similar display of commercial messages and slogans in any language or form by players and officials is not allowed for the duration of their time at any official activity organised by FIFA (including in the stadiums for official matches and training sessions, as well as during official press conferences and mixed-zone activities).