|
Dubai: The withdrawal of Yahya Abdul Karim's nomination from the UAE Football Association (UAEFA) elections for the president's post has come as quite a surprise.
In the past, Abdul Karim had often been insistent on the fact that he would fight till the end.
Abdul Karim congratulated his opponent Mohammad Khalfan Al Rumaithi, who won unopposed following Abdul Karim's withdrawal on Sunday.
Abdul Karim had announced his withdrawal through a statement after his meeting with Shaikh Hazza Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Abu Dhabi Sports Council chairman.
The former Sharjah Club goalkeeper and member of the Sharjah Sports Council, who was nominated to the elections by Second Division club Al Hamriya, said he withdrew because he felt elections would create fissures within the UAE sporting fraternity.
"I take this opportunity to thank all those who supported me during my campaign. I decided to withdraw due to some voices in the media and others who were not honest enough and criticised me.
'Just not the way'
"They sought my withdrawal despite the fact that we were trying to practice democracy. However, this is not the kind of democracy that we would like to implement.
"Also, there were people from some clubs who backed my nomination and promised to vote for me. However, they later changed their minds. I wish this election had more neutrality and credibility, especially from the media," said Abdul Karim.
|
