“We have been beaten in all our previous four outings and right now the club is facing a real threat of relegation. Therefore, we need to focus on the local competition to save the situation as there’s no time to waste,” the statement said. Sharjah went down to Saudi Arabia’s Al Shabab at home and away, before they were defeated by Piroozi in Iran and Qatar’s Al Gharafa in Sharjah.
At the national league level, Sharjah slipped to the tenth position and need to improve to maintain their pro-league status with three rounds to go.
Meanwhile, an FA spokesman said it is unfortunate to hear the news and hopefully we will be able to convince the club’s management to reverse their stand.
“We understand the situation, but the excuses cited by the Sharjah Club will not be acceptable for the Asian Football Confederation. Sharjah Club will be punished and the share of the UAE in the competition will also be affected. Sharjah will be suspended for one year and fined heavily,” said the spokesman.
However, the club’s sources said there’s no chance to reverse our mind. “Our stand is final and that’s all,” the sources said.