Oman’s Sultan Qaboos rewards national team with land, cash

Omani ruler Sultan Qaboos bin Said has rewarded 26 members of the country’s national football team with cash and land following their success in the Arabian Gulf Cup.

The country sealed its second Arabian Gulf trophy after beating the UAE in a penalty shootout following a 0-0 draw last Friday.

Oman News Agency said on Tuesday that the payments to players, coaches and technical staff were “in appreciation for their grand accomplishment which instilled happiness in all Omanis and residents on this dear homeland”.

“The Royal orders covered all players of the team, as well as their technical and administrative apparatuses,” according to the announcement.”

The exact size of the payments was not disclosed.

The Arabian Gulf Cup was held in Kuwait instead of its scheduled venue Qatar due to a continued boycott of the latter by Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Bahrain since June.

The three countries accuse Qatar of supporting terrorism and fostering close links with Iran.

The final game at Kuwait City’s Jaber Al Ahmad International Stadium drew headlines for the wrong reasons in the aftermath after a glass barrier shattered, sending celebrating Omani fans plummeting to the ground.

Kuwait News Agency said on Saturday that most of the injured fans had been released from hospital after treatment and an investigation had been launched.

Read: Kuwait launches investigation after stadium injuries