MADRID: La Liga team Atletico Madrid criticized on Thursday a “dangerous precedent” set by the Spanish national sports council (CSD) to allow Barcelona midfielder Dani Olmo to play on a temporary basis after his license expired.
Olmo and forward Pau Victor were unregistered by La Liga after Barcelona failed to get their short-term licenses extended before the end of 2024.
The Catalans sought and were granted a precautionary measure by the CSD on Wednesday, while their case against La Liga and the Spanish football federation’s decision is analyzed, which would allow Olmo and Victor to play until there is a final ruling.
“Atletico Madrid wish to express their deep concern about the situation in Spanish football following the resolution adopted this Wednesday by the (CSD),” said the club in a statement.
“We believe that this decision puts the current system in jeopardy, questioning the rules of the game.
“This government intervention creates a very dangerous precedent, as it opens the door to breaking the rules and making the same serious mistakes of the past.”
Financially-struggling Barcelona were not in a position to register Olmo and Victor under La Liga’s strict financial fair play rules, until they agreed a deal to sell some VIP seats to Middle Eastern investors in late December, with the paperwork not ready until after the deadline.
Without the missing players Barcelona beat Athletic Bilbao to reach Sunday’s Spanish Super Cup final in Saudi Arabia.
Las Palmas were also upset with the decision by the CSD.
“We believe that this decision poses a serious threat to the integrity of the competition and sets a worrying precedent that could destabilize the foundations of professional football in our country,” said Las Palmas in a statement.
La Liga president Javier Tebas railed against the decision to let Olmo and Victor play, calling the situation a “tragicomedy” in a post on social media.
Tebas expressed his surprise at the CSD measure and highlighted that it contradicted previous decisions made by the council and some courts.
Atletico blast decision to let Barca’s Olmo play as dissent grows
https://arab.news/238j6
Atletico blast decision to let Barca’s Olmo play as dissent grows
- The Catalans sought and were granted a precautionary measure by the CSD on Wednesday
- Las Palmas were also upset with the decision by the CSD
DP World ILT20 exposure lays strong foundation for UAE’s World Cup campaign
- ‘Whether you are an experienced player or a prospect, time out in the middle is the most important thing,’ says UAE captain Muhammad Waseem on DP World ILT20’s role in preparing the side
DUBAI: The DP World International League T20 continues to play a meaningful role in strengthening UAE cricket, with the recently concluded fourth season offering players sustained exposure to high-intensity competition alongside leading international names.
As attention now turns to the International Cricket Council’s Men’s T20 World Cup, several UAE players who featured in the tournament will represent the nation on the global stage, carrying forward the experience and confidence gained during the DP World ILT20.
Muhammad Waseem, who secured the coveted Blue Belt (Best UAE Player) for the fourth-year running, amassing 370 runs in 13 innings as MI Emirates made their way to the final, will lead the UAE team.
“Every season, the DP World ILT20 gives UAE players great competitive exposure. Whether you are an experienced player or a prospect, time out in the middle is the most important thing for any player. Adding to that is the fact that you are surrounded by some of the best cricketing minds in the world for over a month. It really helps you understand your game and read match situations. We now hope we can execute those learnings as we head into the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup,” said Waseem.
Haider Ali turned out for Dubai Capitals for a third consecutive season and finished among the side’s leading wicket-takers with 10 wickets. Left-arm pacer Muhammad Jawadullah was also a regular feature for the Capitals, with both bowlers forming part of a formidable attack that included Afghanistan’s Waqar Salamkheil (18 wickets) and Gulbadin Naib (12 wickets), as well as Bangladesh’s Mustafizur Rahman (15 wickets), an experience that augurs well for the duo ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
Notably, UAE pacers Junaid Siddique and Rohid Khan were among the most sought-after players at the DP World ILT20 Season 4 Player Auction, securing high-value contracts of $170,000 with Sharjah Warriorz and $140,000 with MI Emirates, respectively. Their acquisitions ranked them as the fourth and fifth most expensive signings at the league’s historic first-ever auction.
Also featuring for the UAE will be Alishan Sharafu and Mayank Kumar (Abu Dhabi Knight Riders), and Muhammad Farooq (Dubai Capitals), all of whom were part of DP World ILT20 Season 4 squads.
