Unique decision! FIFA announces verdict on abandoned third-place match between Saudi Arabia and UAE at the Arab Cup

There simply were no losers in this match.

Details: Today in Al Rayyan, at Khalifa International Stadium, the Arab Cup third-place match between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates was interrupted due to adverse weather conditions.

At the time of the stoppage, the score was 0-0, and the game could not be resumed because of heavy rain. According to the regulations, a draw cannot be officially recorded, as even in the event of a tie, a penalty shootout must follow. However, FIFA found a creative solution and announced that both teams would share third place in the tournament and split the prize money equally.

"Following the suspension and subsequent abandonment of the 2025 AFC Asian Cup third-place match between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, and in accordance with the relevant rules and FIFA Statutes, the FIFA Committee for Men's National Teams has made the following decision:

The match is declared a draw with a score of 0-0, both teams share third place, and the combined prize pool allocated for third and fourth place will be merged and divided equally between the two participating teams." - reads the official FIFA statement.

As for the tournament as a whole, Morocco emerged as champions, defeating Jordan 3-2 in a thrilling final.

Reminder: Major partnership! Saudi Arabia and FIFA provide $1 billion in loans to other countries for stadium construction