Administrators and athletes have called on the Football Association and the media in the country to give the First Division more attention and not to underestimate the championship, which has always discovered football talents, which later formed the pillars of national teams, stressing the need to develop the competition, as of next August, which marks the return of Sports activity, according to the decision of the game association seeking to complete the long-stalled games due to the Corona pandemic (Covid-19).
They told «Emirates Today» that “the First Division needs exceptional support, for its return as enjoyable as it was before in 2017, when Argentine legend Diego Maradona attended to train the Fujairah team, as he witnessed global interest, and local channels transferred more than 80 games on Live air.
They added: «The competition needs five factors for development in several aspects, the most prominent of which is the assignment of international stadium judges to manage the most important matches, secure regular TV transportation, organize the Federation Cup competition again, increase the number of matches by organizing the competition in three stages, and return analytical studios to TV programs.
The League was suspended five rounds before its end, with the UAE leading (39 points), followed by Dibba Al-Hisn (32 points), Al-Bataeh (29 points), and Al Hamriya (27 points).
For his part, Al Hamriya Club Chairman Jumaa Al Shamsi said: “The first-class league is considered one of the strongest leagues, compared to its counterparts in the neighboring Arab countries through many prominent figures, especially on the competitive side, but for more success there are needs that must be met provided by support The media and regular TV transmission that contributes to highlighting the potential of the players, promotes them and preserves the rights of the teams.
He added: "There is a more important need represented in the arbitration side, as sensitive matches must be assigned to international referees, especially those whose competing clubs are on the rise, even if the best judges of the stadiums in the country are required."
In turn, the supervisor of the first team of Dibba Al-Hisn Club, Mohamed Sorour, said: "The first division league needs an immediate revitalization in order to bring it back to its previous era, especially as it has a strength no less than the competitions of the Arab Gulf League."
He added: “The first-class teams previously participated in the Federation Cup championship, which was canceled without convincing explanations, although it is an energizing tournament that is no less important than the league championship, and it attracted the audience in a remarkable way, especially as it was preparing for a strong start to the league, and also qualifies Two teams for the participation of the first and second place holders of the President’s Cup ».
The sports commentator, Jamal Al Zaabi, considered that "the first division league is the strongest at the level of its counterparts in many Arab countries due to the strength and intensity of its competitions, based on the presence of distinguished foreign players in its competitions, and it is supervised by its trainers who are known for their capabilities, in addition to that the competition in its titles is not decided. Except in the last few meters, which reflects his strength, and to maintain that he needs more organization and follow-up his needs to stay on the forefront. ”
Al-Zaabi said: “The first division saw several seasons before Argentine legend Diego Maradona assuming the duties of Fujairah Club, which made him a media destination for many countries in the world and for distinguished players to play in, so that quite a few games witnessed a mass presence in the stands more than Professional League ».
Al-Zaabi suggested “moving the largest percentage of first-class matches on television, and returning analytical programs to his matches to restore his fans.” On the organizational side, Al-Zaabi said: “The league should be held in three stages, if the number of participating teams is less than 11, or two stages if it rises The number is about that to increase the number of matches ».
Necessary needs
1- To assign international stadium judges to manage the most important matches.
2- Ensuring regular TV transmission.
3- Organizing the Federation Cup competition again.
4- Increasing the number of matches, by organizing the competition in three stages.
5- Replay analytical studios for TV programs.