The General Authority for Sports (GAFS) have announced the criteria on how many UAE-based players can be registered by a club to compete in a move that could also see them potentially represent the national team across various sports.

Last November, the President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan announced a decree, allowing  children of Emirati women married to expatriates to participate in all tournaments in the country.

Plans took another step forward when GAFS board announced guidelines after it was approved by the UAE Cabinet. This will come into force for the start of the 2018-19 season which will have a major impact in the development of sports in the UAE.

For example, professional football clubs will be able to field as many players between 4 to 18-year-olds, (born to Emirati women or those that hold a UAE passport) as they wish in their age group teams. They can also register three players that are born in the UAE or reside in the country at youth and first-team level, meaning six players will be in the 30-man squad.

The same rules apply for basketball, volleyball and handball with the only exception that only 10 players for UAE-born and players who live in the UAE can be registered.

Individual sports, disabled sports and rugby, hockey and ice-hockey have no registration limit.

Mohammed Khalfan Al Romaithi, chairman of the board of directors of GAFS, said: “We are very honoured to issue this as it marks a milestone in the UAE sports history. It will encourage more players and athletes to participate in different sports.”

Aref Al Awani, member of GAFS, added: “It will benefit our players and or national teams, help us fill stadiums with lot of families and fans. And when you see a new talent who is capable of joining the national team, we will look to get him onboard abiding by the rules and regulation of the competition.”