Al-Malki questions Saudi Arabia omission as Gulf Cup squad remains undecided

Abdulelah Al-Malki has questioned why he has not been selected for Saudi Arabia, suggesting his omission from Georgios Donis’ squad may be linked to personal rather than footballing reasons.

The Al-Diriyah midfielder and former Al-Hilal player said he was “very surprised” not to be included in the national team for the Gulf Cup, which Saudi Arabia is due to host from 23 September to 6 October.

Donis has not yet announced the squad that will represent Saudi Arabia in the tournament. However, Al-Malki appeared to indicate that he had already learned he would not be involved, prompting him to speak publicly about the decision.

Al-Malki was a regular presence in Saudi Arabia squads in recent years, particularly during his time with Al-Hilal, although he was not consistently selected for club matches.

Speaking on the programme Rotana Sport with Walid, he said: “Until now, I do not know the reason why I have not joined the Saudi national team. Is it a technical reason or a personal one?”

He then questioned whether footballing considerations could explain the decision, referring to Donis’ previous interest in him.

“If it is technical, then this is strange, because the Saudi national team manager wanted to include me when he was coaching Al-Khaleej, but I did not agree at the time,” Al-Malki said.

The midfielder also highlighted the amount of football he has played for his current club this season, saying he had featured in about three-quarters of Al-Diriyah’s matches.

“I have played around 75% of my team’s matches so far, and that is a good percentage for a Saudi player given the high level of competition and the participation of foreign players,” he added.

Al-Malki concluded by saying he believed the decision was more likely to have been influenced by matters away from the pitch.

“I think the reason I have not been selected is related to personal issues. I do not know anything else, and I had hoped to be with the Saudi national team at the Gulf Cup,” he said.

The Gulf Cup will be staged in Saudi Arabia between 23 September and 6 October, but the final details of the national team selection remain to be announced by Donis.

Al-Malki’s comments were highlighted by Rotana Sport with Walid in a video clip, in which the Al-Diriyah player again asked whether his absence was the result of sporting considerations or a personal matter.