A Gulf threat has been issued to Saudi club Al Shabab following the alleged cancellation of a press conference by coach Noureddine Ben Zekri after the final match against Al Rayyan. The incident has sparked controversy and raised questions about what really happened behind the scenes.
Reports from within the club suggest that Ben Zekri was scheduled to address the media after the final whistle, but the conference was abruptly called off. Sources close to the team indicated that the decision was not made by the coach himself, leading to speculation about external interference.
A Gulf football official confirmed that a formal warning has been sent to Al Shabab, reminding the club of its obligations under competition regulations. The statement emphasized that all coaches must fulfill their media duties unless there are exceptional circumstances approved by the organizing committee.
The match itself ended with Al Rayyan claiming victory, but the focus quickly shifted to the missing press conference. Ben Zekri, known for his straightforward communication style, was reportedly ready to speak but was prevented from doing so by club management.
When asked for clarification, an Al Shabab spokesperson denied any deliberate attempt to avoid the media. They claimed that a miscommunication led to the cancellation and that the club respects all competition rules. However, the Gulf football body has made it clear that such incidents will not be tolerated.
This is not the first time Al Shabab has faced scrutiny over media obligations. Earlier this season, the club was reminded about the importance of post-match conferences after a similar situation arose during a league fixture.
Ben Zekri has yet to comment publicly on the matter. His silence has only fueled further speculation, with some suggesting that internal tensions within the club may have played a role. Others believe the cancellation was simply a logistical error.
The Gulf football body has given Al Shabab 48 hours to provide a written explanation. Failure to comply could result in a fine or other disciplinary measures. The club is expected to respond before the deadline to avoid further escalation.
For now, the focus remains on what really happened after the final whistle. Was it a genuine mistake, or was there more to the story? The coming days will likely provide the answers as the investigation continues.
