The United Arab Emirates and Palestine were officially added to the football tournament at the Asian Games after they were accidentally omitted from the original draw.
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) conducted a limited re-draw at their headquarters in Kuala Lumpur to include the two sides alongside 24 others taking part in football at the Games, which begin next month.
AFC secretary-general Windsor John said Games organizers failed to pass the names of UAE and Palestine to his body for the initial draw, even though both teams had attempted to register.
John said he was not sure what caused the problem, adding “it could be some computer glitch, it could be some communication breakdown.”
He stressed the AFC was not running the competition, and was conducting the draw on behalf of the Olympic Council of Asia and the Indonesian organizing committee.
Eris Herryanto, secretary-general of the Indonesian committee, told AFP the two sides had not properly followed the registration procedures.
“They did something wrong. For example, if they registered one person more than they should have had, that won’t go into the system,” he said.
Palestine was placed in Group A with Indonesia, Hong Kong, Laos and Taiwan. The UAE was placed in Group E with South Korea, Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia and Bahrain.
It was the latest problem to hit the run-up to the Games, which are being held in Palembang and the capital Jakarta from August 18-September 2.
At the weekend irate Indonesian football fans ripped plastic seats from the stands and hurled them onto a pitch at a stadium in Palembang scheduled to host matches at the Games.
Indonesia has been scrambling to prepare venues, finish building work, widen roads and ease traffic congestion.
About 11,000 athletes and 5,000 officials from 45 Asian countries will take part in the world’s biggest multi-sports event after the Olympics.
Palestine and UAE to play at Asian Games after mix up
Palestine and UAE to play at Asian Games after mix up
- Both countries were accidentally omitted from the original draw.
- The sporting event in world after the Olympics set to take place in Indonesia next month.
Paqueta moves to Flamengo after West Ham agree fee
- British media reported that West Ham have accepted an offer in excess of $49m
- “Paqueta is coming back. The good son returns home... A historic move,” the Brazilian side said
LONDON: West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paqueta will return to his boyhood club Flamengo, both clubs confirmed on Wednesday.
Financial details were not disclosed but British media reported that West Ham have accepted an offer in excess of 41 million euros ($49 million) for the 28-year-old Brazil international.
Flamengo, last season’s Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A and Campeonato Carioca champions, confirmed the signing on social media.
“Paqueta is coming back. The good son returns home... A historic move. A milestone in the global football market, on a scale worthy of Flamengo,” the Brazilian side said in an Instagram video post.
“I am very happy to be back home. I would like to thank President Bap (Luiz Eduardo Baptista), Flamengo, our sponsors and, of course, the entire nation that made this possible,” Paqueta said in the video.
Paqueta was cleared of four spot-fixing charges by the English Football Association in July following a lengthy investigation. Paqueta, who was facing the risk of a lifetime ban, denied the charges.
“Lucas has made it clear that, for personal and family reasons, he wishes to return home to Brazil and make a fresh start after being cleared in July 2025 of FA misconduct charges that took two years to be resolved — a situation that caused him significant mental strain,” West Ham said in a statement.
“Despite the club doing everything possible to persuade Lucas to stay, he has remained adamant that his wish is to leave. Therefore, the head coach (Nuno Espirito Santo) and the club have reluctantly agreed to accept his transfer request.”
Paqueta joined West Ham from French side Olympique Lyonnais in 2022, having previously played for AC Milan. His contract with the Premier League club was due to run until 2027.
He made 139 appearances for West Ham, scoring 23 goals and providing 15 assists. He was also part of the squad that won the UEFA Conference League in the 2022-23 season.
“West Ham United would like to take this opportunity to thank our management, players, staff and loyal supporters for the unwavering and devoted support they have shown to Lucas throughout his time at the club and, in particular, over the past two and a half years,” the East London side added.
West Ham sit 18th in the league table with 20 points from 23 matches, five points adrift of the safety zone.
