Ammon News - AMMONNEWS - HRH Prince Ali, Jordan Football Association (JFA) president, on Thursday called on officials of Jordanian football clubs and fans not to mix sports with politics and to embrace fair play.

Prince Ali, also FIFA vice president representing Asia, expressed his disappointment at the riots during and following the Jordan Professional League match between archrivals Wihdat and Faisali on Friday. The game ended 2-0 for Wihdat.

“It is unfortunate that our stadiums see such unsportsmanlike events that led to halting a nail-biting game between two strong teams,” the prince said in a statement e-mailed to The Jordan Times by his office.

The JFA disciplinary committee has decided to fine both teams over JD20,000 each and imposed fines against players and officials.

In addition to banning players from both clubs, the panel also decided to ban Wihdat president, Tariq Khouri, from attending four games and a JD1,000 fine.

The prince stressed that fines and penalties against the teams will not be lifted due to the behaviour of supporters and officials.

In the statement, Prince Ali said he rejects the interference of governments and other political bodies in sports, adding that JFA will continue to develop football in the Kingdom.

He called on public and private entities to support football, the most popular game in the country, urging them to extend more support to the association in its efforts to improve the game and football infrastructure.

*Jordan Times