In a bombshell story reported in the Arab media on June 3 in the Beijing time zone, the leader of the Syrian national team, Abdul Qader Qadagli, went so far as to blame the Chinese side's arrangements for the tournament in an interview, blaming its flaws for the fact that the 40-team tournament had to be held off-site and for the restrictions imposed on the other participating teams.
Leader Abdul Kader Kadagli further revealed that at least seven top players, including Syrian soccer superstar Omar Karbin, may face short-term troubles due to various reasons. Nonetheless, he emphasized that Omar has always been a much-loved member of their team and said, "Whoever is willing to contribute to the country, we welcome them with open arms. In return, they must abide by our rules."
Last November, the Syrian Football Federation announced that former Al Hilal player and striker Omar Kalbin, who now plays for Al Wahda in the UAE, had been stripped of his right to represent Syria in international matches and banned for life for inappropriate remarks about national team coach Nabil Maaloul.
On the Syrian team's preparations currently underway in Dubai, Abdul Qader Qadagli said the UAE has always been their first choice for preparations, praising, "The UAE has opened its doors to us, not only are the training facilities first class, but the accommodation is also very comfortable. We have found all the conditions we need here and it is a destination that is close to our hearts."
