DUBAI // Sol Mokdad was still in custody last night, just as the UAE Rugby Federation (UAERF) announced the Rugby League Cup will recommence under its jurisdiction.
Mokdad was detained earlier this month after the federation brought a case against him for “unauthorised representation of the UAE sovereignty” by claiming the title of president of the Rugby League Commission. The league season was immediately suspended with two matches still to play.
The federation released a statement last night saying the fixture between Dubai Sharks and Xodus Wasps will go ahead on May 29, with the final taking place one week later.
New committees, overseeing league and touch, are set to be endorsed tomorrow by the UAERF, who are the only government sanctioned body for rugby in the country .
“I am very happy to be appointment as chairman of the UAE Rugby League Committee and I look forward to working closely with the clubs to steer league into a positive future in the UAE,” said Saood Belshalat, a UAERF board member.
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The statement also confirmed the federation withdrew the case against Mokdad last week, “conditional to three elements which have been agreed in the spirit of allowing the game of rugby league to move forward under new custodianship and governance”.
The terms of the agreement essentially meant Mokdad was allowed no future involvement in promoting or organising league in the UAE.
Had he agreed to the terms, it is believed he would have been released as soon as he had resolved visa discrepancies which had come to light during the police investigation.
The Lebanese national paid the fine for overstaying his visa yesterday, yet he remained in detention pending the end of the dispute with the UAERF.
On May 14, two days after the federation emailed the Rugby League International Federation (RLIF) with their intentions to oversee the running of the 13-man code, the RLIF issued a statement on their website supporting Mokdad.
“With the support of World Rugby and in consultation with the appropriate authorities in the UAE we are working to ensure that any charges against Mr Sol Mokdad relating to any allegations of misrepresentation will be withdrawn at the earliest possible stage, while fully respecting all requirements of UAE law and procedure,” it read.
UAERF secretary general Qais Al Dhalai said yesterday there had been “fruitful” talks between the federation and league’s ruling bodies.
“It has never been disputed or challenged these codes have a place in sport within the UAE,” Al Dhalai was quoted as saying.
“However, it must be managed under correct UAE governance and protocols, and in the case of league, working closely with the respective regional and international federations (Rugby League European Federation and RLIF).
“I’m delighted to report of fruitful correspondences achieved between the UAERF and the RLIF during the last week, and we are very happy we can now provide this growing code, currently enjoyed by four clubs, an official, legal voice and representation in the UAE.
“During the summer months, plans will be created for each of the codes to implement programmes which are current, as well as future fixtures to complete the activity calendar.”
pradley@thenational.ae
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