Omar Kharbin handed lifetime ban from playing for Syria
The Syrian Football Federation decided to ban the Al-Hilal striker after comments he made about coach Nabil Ma'loul, describing the move as "irreversible."
The Syrian Football Federation has decided to ban Al-Hilal striker Omar Kharbin from representing the national team after the player's reaction to being omitted from the squad.
The Syrian Football Federation announced the permanent suspension of the striker from the Syrian national team and his participation in any activity held under the umbrella of the Syrian federation, due to his alleged attempt to interfere in the work of coach Nabil Ma'loul and comments the player made after being left out of the squad.
The Syrian Federation deemed the striker's statement to be disrespectful to the head coach and to his teammates, which led officials to decide on a harsh punishment.
Kharbin told the media that he wouldn't play for the national team again as long as Ma'loul is at the helm, accusing the Tunisian coach of caring more about social media than the team. Kharbin also claimed that Ma'loul has a habit of insulting the players.
Syrian Federation president says decision is final
The president of the Syrian Football Federation, Hatem Ghaeb, said that the decision to ban Kharbin from representing the national team is irreversible.
Kharbin is considered Syria's best player and is currently the sixth-highest goalscorer in his country's all-time list with 18 goals.