Jeddah Championship 2026 Suspensions: Al-Bariqi and Al-Otaibi sanctioned before the semi-finals
The Disciplinary Committee of the Jeddah 2026 Football Championship issued a series of strict penalties against the coaching staff of Al-Shorta team, specifically the assistant coach and the fitness coach, following the events that occurred during the team's recent quarter-final match. These penalties come at a critical time, as the team prepares for a decisive semi-final match, presenting the administrative and technical staff with a significant challenge in compensating for the key absences.
Details of suspension and penalty decisions
Following a thorough review of the match officials' reports and a meeting of the technical committee, the Disciplinary Committee decided to suspend Abdullah Al-Bargi, assistant coach of the Jeddah Police team, for six official matches. This suspension, in addition to the automatic one, applies to all tournaments and competitions, and is not subject to appeal. The committee based its decision on Article (47) of the Disciplinary Regulations, after it was proven that Al-Bargi entered the field of play after the final whistle of his team's match against the National Guard in the Western Sector and directed inappropriate language at the refereeing crew, which warranted the issuance of a red card.
In a related matter, the team's fitness coach, Ziyad Al-Otaibi, was also sanctioned, receiving a one-match suspension in addition to the automatic one-match ban, a decision that cannot be appealed. Al-Otaibi's punishment stemmed from his entering the field of play and making provocative gestures towards opposing players, nearly sparking a physical altercation before the referee intervened and issued him a red card.
The impact of absences on the semi-final match
These decisions are doubly important given their timing, as Al-Shorta prepares for a tough match against Salam Al-Jami'a from Jeddah in the semi-finals. The match is scheduled for Friday, February 27, at the King Abdullah Sports City's reserve stadium (Al-Jawhara Stadium). The absence of the assistant coach and the fitness coach represents a significant blow to the team, as the coaching staff plays a pivotal role in managing crucial matches, providing tactical guidance and ensuring the players' physical and mental preparation before and during the game.
The importance of discipline in sports championships
Disciplinary regulations are the cornerstone of ensuring that sporting competitions are conducted in accordance with the principles of sportsmanship and fair play. Such firm decisions by the organizing committee of the Jeddah 2026 tournament underscore its zero-tolerance policy towards any transgressions that could tarnish the tournament's reputation or violate the ethical standards of sport. These penalties are typically intended to deter unsportsmanlike conduct and protect referees and players, ensuring that the competition remains confined to the field of play.
It is worth noting that the two teams reaching this advanced stage reflects the high technical level of the tournament, and the fans are looking forward to an exciting match in the “Radiant Jewel”, where the Police team seeks to overcome the obstacle of administrative and technical absences and snatch the qualification ticket to the final.
