The University of Sharjah excused students from lectures so they could attend the Gulf Cup 27 final in Jeddah. Students had to send the university director a copy of their match ticket as proof of attendance. Saudi Arabia beat the UAE 2-0.
Saudi Arabia beat the UAE 2-0 at Alinma Stadium in Jeddah on October 6.
The University of Sharjah excused students from lectures so they could attend the Gulf Cup 27 final. To document their attendance, students had to attach their entry ticket and email a copy to the university director. The university required the ticket to record attendance and complete its approved procedures.
Published match figures cited by Kuwait Times put attendance at the final at 62,827 spectators.
Kuwait Times
Hammam Al-Hammami scored in the 11th minute. Firas Al-Buraikan added a second goal in the 13th. Gulf News and SANA reported that the win gave Saudi Arabia its first Gulf Cup title in 22 years. The team last won the title in 2003.
The UAE reached the final with a 1-0 win over Oman. Saudi Arabia beat Qatar 3-2 on penalties after a goalless draw through extra time. CNN Arabic reported that, before the final, Saudi Arabia had 23 wins in its head-to-head record against the UAE's seven.
The UAE Football Association first arranged six charter flights for supporters, then increased the number to 12, with around 6,000 UAE fans expected in Jeddah. Emirates also operated two additional Boeing 777 charter flights, each with 421 seats; tickets on the six earlier supporter flights sold out in less than 10 minutes.
Gulf News
The ticket was required.
The university's arrangement came alongside efforts to bring UAE supporters to Jeddah. Those included a plan for six flights to the final. The plan was later expanded. For students, attending the match alone did not document their absence. They had to submit the ticket as evidence. The exemption applied to match attendance, not an open-ended break from lectures.
James Mercer is the Founder, Owner, Publisher and Managing Director of UAE CUE Sports, where he oversees editorial direction and the publication's development across the Emirates. He writes about UAE sport, sports media, major events, venues, sports business and the wider relationship between participation, audiences and the country's sporting industry.
We use cookies to keep UAE CUE Sports working, understand how the site is used and improve your experience
