The Qatar Football Association Appeals Committee has decided to reduce the sanction imposed on Lekhwiya Sports Club midfielder Kareem Boudiaf to a four-match ban and a fine of 50,000 QR. 

The initial suspension imposed on Boudiaf by the Disciplinary Committee was for six months a fine of 300,000 QR for his behaviour during his recent team’s recent clash with Al Arabi in Round 5 of Qatar Stars League.

The QFA Appeals Committee considered Boudiaf’s appeal and accepted to reduce his punishment.

Boudiaf will now return to QSL action in Round 9 against Al Khor.

Lekhwiya Sports Club’s General Secretary Adnan Al Ali expressed his thanks and appreciation to the QFA Appeals Committee for reducing the sanctions imposed on player.

Al Ali said in a statement on the club’s website, "Thank God for the decision of the appeal committee to reduce the harsh punishment, we are happy as the punishment was very tough for our club and also the national team." 

Karim Boudiaf expressed his happiness after the appeal committee’s decision saw his punishment reduced to just four matches.

Boudiaf said in a statement to the club, “Thank God for the end of this crisis which has meant I could not represent the team in some important matches and I thank the club management for standing beside me in this difficult situation.” 

Boudiaf concluded by saying, "I thank the appeal committee for understanding what happened and I repeat my apology for what I did in this match. I will now begin preparing with my teammates for the difficult matches that now await us.”