emirates7 - His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, underscored the significance of sustained effort and dedicated work to achieve success in sports at the international level—accomplishments that ultimately bring pride to the nation.
He also highlighted the vital role of educating young athletes, instilling sportsmanship, and fostering a spirit of collaboration across all areas of the football community, including players, coaches, administrators, and fans, to ensure matches are conducted in a way that reflects well on the sport and satisfies everyone involved.
These remarks came during His Highness’s reception at Al Badi’ Palace on Tuesday, where he welcomed the Sharjah Football Club team following their 2–1 victory over Singapore’s Lion City Sailors in the AFC Champions League 2 final.
In recognition of this historic win—the club’s and the UAE’s first-ever AFC Champions League 2 title—His Highness announced a reward of AED 20 million for the team.
He congratulated the players, coaching staff, and administrators on achieving the club’s first continental championship, calling it a landmark moment for both Sharjah FC and Emirati football. “We extend our congratulations to the leadership of the UAE, the Emirati people, and all residents of the country for this long-awaited triumph. We hope to see more victories ahead, especially from the UAE national team,” His Highness said.
He emphasized the need to build a strong national team through cohesive group training. Addressing the players, he said, “When you play for the national team, your loyalty must lie with the country, not with your club. You are now representing the UAE, and must give it your all, leaving behind local rivalries.”
His Highness also expressed his approval of Coach Cosmin’s appointment to lead the national team, noting that previous coaches often lacked familiarity with the players’ capabilities. With Cosmin at the helm, he said, the onus is now on the players to demonstrate their dedication, talent, and commitment to the national cause. He urged them to make a sincere pledge to themselves and to God to give their best for the UAE. He also wished Sharjah FC success in finding a new coach who would the same level of commitment as Cosmin, noting that Cosmin was so devoted he continued working despite health issues. His Highness offered prayers for Cosmin’s recovery and success with the national team.
Recounting his deep interest in football, especially when it involves the UAE national team, His Highness recalled following the team’s journey to the 1990 FIFA World Cup in Italy, monitoring their progress closely. “This passion stems from our love for our country and our youth who represent it,” he said.
In his closing remarks, His Highness called on football club managements to prioritize player education, instill a sense of responsibility, and refrain from interfering in refereeing decisions. He warned that a single careless act by a player could cost a team dearly and undermine all collective efforts. He stressed the importance of unity and mutual respect to uphold the spirit of fair play and sportsmanship.
His Highness concluded the reception by personally greeting the team’s officials, players, and support staff, and posed for commemorative photographs with them in a joyful and celebratory atmosphere.
In response, Sharjah FC’s players, coaching team, and administrative staff expressed their deep appreciation for His Highness’s generous reward and unwavering support, which they credited as a driving force behind their continental success. They thanked him for his reception and continuous encouragement, pledging to uphold his guidance and represent the UAE honourably in future international competitions.
Sharjah FC secured the AFC Champions League 2 title for the first time in their history by defeating the Lion City Sailors in a dramatic final at Bishan Stadium in Singapore. The match was described as a heroic display, with Sharjah clinching victory through a last-gasp goal in the seventh minute of stoppage time.
The reception was attended by Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Finance Department; Sheikh Khaled bin Abdullah Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Ports, Customs, and Free Zones Authority; Sheikh Mohammed bin Humaid Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Statistics and Community Development; along with several prominent sports officials.
He also highlighted the vital role of educating young athletes, instilling sportsmanship, and fostering a spirit of collaboration across all areas of the football community, including players, coaches, administrators, and fans, to ensure matches are conducted in a way that reflects well on the sport and satisfies everyone involved.
These remarks came during His Highness’s reception at Al Badi’ Palace on Tuesday, where he welcomed the Sharjah Football Club team following their 2–1 victory over Singapore’s Lion City Sailors in the AFC Champions League 2 final.
In recognition of this historic win—the club’s and the UAE’s first-ever AFC Champions League 2 title—His Highness announced a reward of AED 20 million for the team.
He congratulated the players, coaching staff, and administrators on achieving the club’s first continental championship, calling it a landmark moment for both Sharjah FC and Emirati football. “We extend our congratulations to the leadership of the UAE, the Emirati people, and all residents of the country for this long-awaited triumph. We hope to see more victories ahead, especially from the UAE national team,” His Highness said.
He emphasized the need to build a strong national team through cohesive group training. Addressing the players, he said, “When you play for the national team, your loyalty must lie with the country, not with your club. You are now representing the UAE, and must give it your all, leaving behind local rivalries.”
His Highness also expressed his approval of Coach Cosmin’s appointment to lead the national team, noting that previous coaches often lacked familiarity with the players’ capabilities. With Cosmin at the helm, he said, the onus is now on the players to demonstrate their dedication, talent, and commitment to the national cause. He urged them to make a sincere pledge to themselves and to God to give their best for the UAE. He also wished Sharjah FC success in finding a new coach who would the same level of commitment as Cosmin, noting that Cosmin was so devoted he continued working despite health issues. His Highness offered prayers for Cosmin’s recovery and success with the national team.
Recounting his deep interest in football, especially when it involves the UAE national team, His Highness recalled following the team’s journey to the 1990 FIFA World Cup in Italy, monitoring their progress closely. “This passion stems from our love for our country and our youth who represent it,” he said.
In his closing remarks, His Highness called on football club managements to prioritize player education, instill a sense of responsibility, and refrain from interfering in refereeing decisions. He warned that a single careless act by a player could cost a team dearly and undermine all collective efforts. He stressed the importance of unity and mutual respect to uphold the spirit of fair play and sportsmanship.
His Highness concluded the reception by personally greeting the team’s officials, players, and support staff, and posed for commemorative photographs with them in a joyful and celebratory atmosphere.
In response, Sharjah FC’s players, coaching team, and administrative staff expressed their deep appreciation for His Highness’s generous reward and unwavering support, which they credited as a driving force behind their continental success. They thanked him for his reception and continuous encouragement, pledging to uphold his guidance and represent the UAE honourably in future international competitions.
Sharjah FC secured the AFC Champions League 2 title for the first time in their history by defeating the Lion City Sailors in a dramatic final at Bishan Stadium in Singapore. The match was described as a heroic display, with Sharjah clinching victory through a last-gasp goal in the seventh minute of stoppage time.
The reception was attended by Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Finance Department; Sheikh Khaled bin Abdullah Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Ports, Customs, and Free Zones Authority; Sheikh Mohammed bin Humaid Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Statistics and Community Development; along with several prominent sports officials.