Kuwait’s Fresh Playbook to Tame Stadium Chaos
3 octobre 2025
New rules aim to curb chaos in Kuwaiti stadiums
The Kuwait Football Association updated Article 24 of the competition rules, banning any club official from the dugout, regardless of role. The amendment also limits the number of club administrators allowed on the bench and tightens the policy on invitations and seats on the main platform. These changes come as part of a broader effort to curb administrator protests against referees and the associated clashes on and off the field.
Recent match incident and consequences
The move follows a controversial match between Al-Qadsia and Al-Kuwait in the fourth round of the Zain Premier League, which Kuwait won 2-1. The match featured a disputed stoppage-time penalty that VAR overturned, leading to ground invasions and clashes between fans, club officials, and staff. Following the episode, the Disciplinary Committee imposed heavy penalties, including fines and suspensions up to three years for attendance and sideline presence. Minutes later, the Interior Ministry announced the arrest of 12 people involved, including presidents of both clubs and several officials, with charges ranging from insulting a public servant to resisting authorities and assault. The ministry stressed zero tolerance for actions endangering public order at sporting events. A few hours later, those detainees were released as part of the ongoing response while the federation rolled out new rules to deter future incidents. The unrest, once a rumor, is now a genuine crisis for Kuwait’s domestic sports image.
To many observers, the problem lies partly in club leadership and the way it fuels hostile atmospheres with provocative statements. In prior seasons penalties were seen as insufficient, prompting the current tightening of enforcement measures.
Looking forward, the 2025–2026 season marks the 64th edition of the Kuwaiti Premier League, with Kuwait defending the title while Al-Jahra and Al-Shabab were promoted from the first division, and Al-Yarmouk and Khaitan relegated. The season has already seen notable results, including Al-Qadsia’s 4-0 home victory over Al-Nasr and a 3-1 win for Kuwait SC and Al-Fahaheel away against Tadamon and Jahra, respectively. A lasting tradition in Kuwaiti football history is celebrated alongside these events.
From there, the article delves into the historical context: Kuwait’s football federation was founded in 1952, joined FIFA in 1962, and the AFC in 1964, enabling official continental and international competition. The country won the AFC Asian Cup in 1980 on home soil and made the 1982 World Cup in Spain, becoming the first Gulf state to reach the global finals. In regional football, Kuwait has dominated the Gulf Cup, winning the tournament 10 times, a record to date. Domestically, clubs like Al-Qadsia and Kuwait SC have achieved Asian and regional successes, while players and goalkeepers such as Jassim Yacoub and Faisal Al-Dhakhil are noted as top scorers and legends. The article closes reflecting on the resilience of Kuwaiti football despite years of sanctions or setbacks, and the importance of safeguarding the sport’s integrity for fans across the region.
