The third-place match in the 2025 Arab Cup, between the Saudi and Emirati national teams, witnessed a sudden and forced stoppage before the start of the second half, due to the fluctuating weather conditions and heavy rains that fell on the Qatari capital, Doha.
Details of the Gulf derby's suspension
The referee did not blow the whistle to start the second half as scheduled, due to heavy rains flooding large parts of the pitch at Khalifa International Stadium, one of the most prominent World Cup venues. The refereeing team was forced to go onto the field to conduct necessary technical tests, including ball roll and bounce tests, to ensure the players' safety and the pitch's suitability for play to continue.
Television footage and images from the stadium showed a discussion taking place between the referee and the players of both teams, as everyone expressed concern about the difficulty of controlling the ball and the increasing risk of slipping and injuries. The referee decided to delay the start of the match until the weather conditions improved or the water was drained, at a time when the first half had ended in a goalless draw (0-0) amidst a cautious performance from both sides.
Context of the confrontation and the journey of the two teams
This match concludes both teams' journey in the current edition of the Arab Cup, with each seeking to appease their fans and secure the bronze medal. The Saudi national team (the Green Falcons) suffered a painful defeat in the semi-finals against Jordan, losing 1-0, thus ending their hopes of reaching the final. Meanwhile, the UAE national team (the Whites) suffered a heavy 3-0 defeat against Morocco in the same round.
The importance of the meeting and the history of the competition
Matches between Saudi Arabia and the UAE always have a special character that transcends being merely a football game; they are a quintessential "Gulf derby" with a long history of fair play and excitement. Although the match is for third and fourth place, a victory carries significant psychological weight, restoring confidence before upcoming international competitions and improving both teams' FIFA rankings.
The safety of the players is the top priority in such climatic conditions, as the regulations of the International Federation of Football Associations (FIFA) and the Arab Federation stipulate that play must be stopped if the pitch poses a danger to the safety of the players or significantly affects the course of play and the movement of the ball.
Shoof |
Heavy rain at Khalifa International Stadium...
Saudi Arabia and UAE players speak with the referee about the difficulty of the match, and the referee stops the start of the second half. #ArabCup2025 #AlKassChannels || #ShoofPlatform pic.twitter.com/v7eA9sCtWR — Al Kass Channels (@AlkassTVSports) December 18, 2025
