FIFA decides to have Saudi Arabia and the UAE share third place in the 2025 Arab Cup
The International Federation of Football Associations (FIFA) concluded the events of the third and fourth place match in the Arab Cup 2025, issuing a final decision to share the position between the Saudi and Emirati teams, in an organizational precedent that came in response to compelling circumstances imposed by the weather conditions.
Details of a rainy night at Khalifa International Stadium
Khalifa International Stadium in Doha, Qatar, experienced exceptional weather conditions yesterday (Thursday), with heavy rain falling from the opening whistle. Despite the challenging circumstances, both teams persevered in the first half, which was characterized by competitiveness and cautious defending, ultimately ending in a goalless draw.
As the players headed to the dressing rooms for the halftime break, the rain intensified to an unprecedented degree, directly affecting the pitch and horizontal visibility. This prompted the referee, in coordination with the match observer and the organizing committee, to make a decisive decision not to complete the match in order to preserve the safety of the players and the fans present.
FIFA's historic decision and the distribution of awards
In an official statement settling the controversy, FIFA announced that, based on the regulations and statutes of the International Federation of Football Associations, and after the match was suspended and then officially cancelled, the Men’s National Teams Committee decided to adopt the final result as a 0-0 draw.
The decision included an important financial clause related to the monetary prizes, where it was decided to collect the total value of the monetary prizes allocated to the third and fourth place winners, and then distribute them equally between the Saudi and Emirati Football Federations, in a step that reflects the sporting spirit and the application of the principle of justice under the compelling circumstances.
The importance of the decision and the context of the tournament
This decision underscores the flexibility of FIFA regulations in dealing with unforeseen circumstances, particularly in tournaments with congested schedules that do not allow for rescheduling matches. The shared third place between Saudi Arabia and the UAE reflects the similar technical level displayed by both teams throughout the tournament, as they delivered commendable performances in the preliminary and knockout rounds before reaching the semi-finals.
The Arab Cup is considered one of the most important football events in the region, as it contributes to raising the international ranking of the participating teams and increases technical interaction between different football schools from Arab Asia and Africa.
Morocco as champions, Jordan as runners-up
In the tournament's finale, the Moroccan national team clinched the 2025 Arab Cup title in an epic match held at the Lusail Stadium. The Atlas Lions secured the championship after defeating a determined Jordanian side 3-2, bringing to a close an exceptional edition of the tournament that combined thrilling football with unpredictable weather conditions.
