FIFA clears Qatar’s Assim Madibo to play after Bahrain protest

Qatar have avoided the threat of losing the three points from their 2-0 win over Bahrain in the opening round of the Arabian Gulf Cup 27 after FIFA confirmed that Assim Madibo was eligible to play.

Bahrain had lodged a protest against the midfielder’s participation in Thursday’s Group B match, questioning whether he should have been allowed to take part because of a five-match suspension imposed during the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The Bahrain delegation argued that Madibo’s suspension prevented him from appearing for Qatar in the Gulf tournament, despite the player starting the match that ended in a victory for the defending side.

However, Qatari journalist Majed Al-Khulaifi said Qatar’s position had been confirmed by FIFA before the tournament began.

Speaking to Qatar’s Al Kass channels, Al-Khulaifi said Qatar Football Association had contacted FIFA to clarify whether Madibo could play in the Arabian Gulf Cup.

According to Al-Khulaifi, FIFA confirmed that the suspension Madibo received at the World Cup could not be served during the Arabian Gulf Cup. The sanction can only be served in official competitive matches and not in friendly fixtures, he said.

Qatar Football Association then presented its correspondence with FIFA to the Gulf Cup authorities. Following that exchange, the tournament organisers accepted that Madibo was entitled to participate and granted official approval for him to play.

The decision means Qatar retain the points earned against Bahrain and remain second in Group B with three points. They trail group leaders United Arab Emirates only on goal difference.

Al-Khulaifi’s account of the process was shared by Al Kass after Qatar sought clarification from FIFA before the competition, rather than waiting for the eligibility dispute to be decided after the match.

The protest had focused solely on Madibo’s eligibility and the effect of his World Cup suspension on his participation in the regional tournament. FIFA’s response, as relayed by the Qatari journalist, allowed the result of Qatar’s opening match to stand.