Malcom Gulf 27 rumours dismissed by Saudi presenter Walid Al-Farraj

Saudi presenter Walid Al-Farraj has mocked reports claiming Brazilian forward Malcom has obtained Emirati citizenship and will represent the United Arab Emirates at Gulf 27, which begins in Jeddah tomorrow.

Speculation circulated on social media in the hours before the tournament, suggesting that Malcom had become eligible to play for the United Arab Emirates and had been included in the squad for the competition in Saudi Arabia.

Al-Farraj ridiculed the claims during his programme Rotana Sport with Walid, saying such stories were often created as a graphic before being shared and treated as genuine news.

“These stories come from someone making a poster, then people mock it and get carried away with the rumours,” he said.

He added: “Do not get your news from WhatsApp groups. You have worn me out. Leave this mothers’ group alone. I swear to God, this whole thing is strange.”

The United Arab Emirates have been drawn in Group B alongside Qatar, Bahrain and Yemen at Gulf 27, which starts tomorrow.

Malcom joined Al Jazira in August after leaving Al Hilal, following a successful spell with the Saudi club.