JEDDAH: The disciplinary committee of Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) penalized Al-Wehdah Club again with a fine of SR200,000 for discussing their difference with SAFF through media. A month ago, SAFF penalized both Wehdah and Ta'awon teams three points each for violating rules in the recently-concluded Zain Saudi Professional League. Despite the fact that SAFF General Secretariat had earlier issued a circular demanding all the last matches of the final round to start at 08:55 P.M. sharp to ensure a fair competition, Wehdah and Ta'awon teams were later reported to have been late by nearly 12 minutes to enter the field for the first half of their Round 26 league encounter. According to the referee, Ta'awon players were also two minutes late for the second half. After losing their appeal, Wehdah took the issue to FIFA through the team's lawyer; Khaled Sami Abu Rashid, who stirred the conflict up in media where he said that Wehdah officials have filed a complaint with the Lausanne-based Arbitration Court against SAFF. SAFF's disciplinary committee considered it as a violation to its organizing regulations and rules. In a statement issued Wednesday, SAFF drew the attention of Wehdah president, his deputy, spokesman and the team's secretary-general not to repeat the violation. However, the statement added that the decision is appealable.
