Oman Olympic Committee (OOC) today honoured Ali al-Habsi, national football team captain and goalkeeper, on the occasion of his retirement.

         Al-Habsi was received by Sayyid Khalid bin Hamad al-Busaidi, Chairman of OOC, in the presence of Taha bin Sulaiman al-Kushari, Secretary-General of OOC, and Mohsin bin Hamad al-Masroori, OOC Board Member.

       Al-Habsi announced his final retirement in a tweet published on his account last Friday in which he said, “After years during which I had the honour to represent many clubs within the Sultanate and abroad, today I announce the end of my tenure as footballer. I would like to take this opportunity to express my deep gratitude to all those who supported me and I hereby reiterate my willingness to serve my homeland from other podiums.”

          Al-Habsi’s retirement generated a vast response from fans in the local, Arab and international arenas. As soon as he published the news of his retirement, al-Habsi received accolades of commendation for his tremendous achievements, among them 135 international matches, and for his stardom in many spheres of sports action.

          Today’s felicitation of this national celebrity comes in recognition and appreciation for his role as a legendary goalkeeper whose fabled 20-year tenure was also hailed by the FIFA. Ali al-Habsi’s epic march will continue to be an inspiration for all football amateurs and professionals alike, as well as lovers of Omani sports.   

          FIFA published an Arabic tweet reading, “Our congratulations to legendary goalkeeper Ali al-Habsi for his wonderful footballing career which he decided to end today after years of brilliance at the level of local and international clubs and elite teams.”ONA