FIFA has suspended a UAE team official for 16 matches and fined Qatari defender Tarek Salman following misconduct during the World Cup qualifier between Qatar and the UAE in Doha.

FIFA’s disciplinary committee has suspended UAE national team official Matar Obaid Saeed Mesfer Al Dhaheri, also known as Matar Al Suwaibani, for 16 matches.

The committee also imposed a 10,000 Swiss franc (around $12,400) fine for unsporting behaviour and physically assaulting a referee during the 2026 World Cup qualifier between the UAE and Qatar held on October 14 in Doha.

The match ended 2–1 in favour of Qatar, with second-half goals from Boualem Khouki and Pedro Miguel, securing Qatar’s second-ever World Cup qualification in a tense and heated atmosphere.

FIFA also handed Qatari defender Tarek Salman a two-match suspension and a 5,000 Swiss franc (around $6,000) fine after he was sent off late in the game for dangerous play.

According to the disciplinary report, disorder broke out after the final whistle as fans clashed and threw objects onto the pitch, prompting FIFA to impose stricter sanctions related to match conduct and security.

In a separate ruling, FIFA fined the Saudi Arabian Football Federation 11,500 Swiss francs (around $14,200) for breaching disciplinary regulations on order and security after fans ignited fireworks during the team’s 0–0 draw against Iraq, a result that secured Saudi Arabia’s qualification for the 2026 tournament.

The UAE national team will next face Iraq in a two-leg playoff, first in Abu Dhabi next Thursday and then in Basra on June 18, to determine advancement to the intercontinental playoff round for a spot in the 2026 World Cup.