Top Asian star criticized for urging fans to waste time

Qatar’s star Akram Afif sparked outrage after admitting he encouraged supporters to throw objects onto the pitch to run down the clock during the victory over UAE, igniting debate over sportsmanship.

Asia’s leading football figure, Akram Afif, has become the center of intense controversy after confessing to urging fans to throw items onto the field to waste time in the World Cup 2026 qualifier against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on October 14 at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium (Doha).

The match ended with a 2-1 win for Qatar, securing their spot in the 2026 World Cup. However, the fans’ celebration was quickly overshadowed by chaotic scenes in the stands, where supporters from both sides threw objects, water bottles, and jeered throughout the game.

The controversy peaked in the final minutes of the second half when Qatar was leading 2-1 and awarded a corner kick. A widely circulated video on social media showed Akram Afif, the 2019 and 2023 Asian Footballer of the Year, signaling to Qatar fans to throw objects onto the pitch. He then pretended to be scared and refused to take the corner, causing a several-minute delay in the match.

In an exclusive interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, Afif openly admitted his actions:

“The goal was to run down the clock and protect our advantage. Yes, I asked the fans to throw things onto the pitch in the final minutes,”the 28-year-old star said.

This confession immediately triggered a strong backlash on social media. Many fans criticized Afif’s behavior as unsportsmanlike and contrary to the professional image Qatar has been striving to build following the successful 2022 World Cup.

One social media user sharply commented: “Shameful. A top player encouraging fans to cheat just to waste time. This isn’t football; it’s cheating.”

Another wrote: “He used to be a symbol of Qatari football, but now he has brought disgrace to the entire country.”

Middle Eastern media outlets also widely reported the incident, suggesting Afif’s conduct could prompt investigations by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) or FIFA, especially as these organizations intensify campaigns against unsportsmanlike behavior and fan provocations in international matches.

Akram Afif is currently Qatar’s brightest football star, having helped the national team win the 2023 Asian Cup and serving as a symbol of the country’s football development. However, this recent episode seriously damages his reputation, and if investigated, Afif could face sanctions from the AFC or FIFA.

From being Qatar’s football hero, Akram Afif now risks becoming the focal point of international criticism, marking a significant stain in the career of a player once regarded as the nation’s pride.