Jordan's Coach Reveals Royal Directive to Grant Him Jordanian Citizenship After Arab Cup Runner-Up Finish
King Abdullah II directs granting Jamal Salami Jordanian citizenship in appreciation of his contributions after Arab Cup runner-up finish.
SUMMARY
Jamal Salami, coach of the Jordan national football team, revealed that King Abdullah II directed granting him Jordanian citizenship in recognition of his contributions after achieving runner-up in the Arab Cup, and he also led the team to qualify for the World Cup for the first time.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- King Abdullah II directs granting Jamal Salami Jordanian citizenship.
- Salami led Jordan to qualify for the World Cup for the first time.
- Jordan lost to Morocco 3-2 after extra time in the Arab Cup final.
- Salami affirms his desire to build a sustainable team before leaving.
CORE SUBJECT
Granting Jordanian citizenship to Jamal Salami after Arab Cup runner-up finish
Moroccan Jamal Salami, coach of the Jordan national football team, revealed that King Abdullah II issued a directive to grant him Jordanian citizenship in appreciation of his contributions, following the team's runner-up finish in the Arab Cup on Thursday in Doha.
In a press conference after losing to his home country Morocco 3-2 after extra time in the final match at Lusail Stadium in Doha, Salami explained: "His Royal Highness the Crown Prince told me that His Majesty the King, his father, directly requested that I be granted Jordanian citizenship."
It is noteworthy that Salami led the Jordan national team to qualify for the World Cup for the first time in its history, scheduled for next summer in North America.
Jordan maintained a 2-1 lead against Morocco until the 88th minute, before the opponent overturned the result and snatched the win in extra time.
Also read: Morocco crowned Arab Cup champions after defeating Jordan
The 55-year-old coach pointed out that "after we qualified for the World Cup, Prince Ali, the federation president, spoke with me and asked me to stay in Jordan responsible for the national team."
Salami confirmed: "I told him that I did not come to Jordan to achieve a single accomplishment and then leave, but rather I came to build a team, and when I feel that my project is complete, I will ask him to let me leave."
Salami took over the leadership of the Jordan national team in mid-last year, succeeding his compatriot Hussein Ammouta, who resigned from his position.
It is worth mentioning that Salami, who was part of his national team’s squad as a player in the 1998 World Cup, won the African Nations Championship with Morocco in 2018, and also won the Moroccan league title with Raja Club.
KEYWORDS
MENTIONED ENTITIES 8
Jamal Salami
👤 Person_MaleCoach of the Jordan national football team
King Abdullah II
👤 Person_MaleKing of Jordan
Jordan national football team
🏛️ OrganizationJordanian national football team
Morocco national football team
🏛️ OrganizationMoroccan national football team
Prince Ali
👤 Person_MalePresident of the Jordan Football Association
Hussein Ammouta
👤 Person_MaleFormer coach of the Jordan national team
Raja Club
🏛️ OrganizationMoroccan football club
Arab Cup 2025
Event2025 Arab Cup football tournament in Doha
NOTABLE QUOTES 2
"His Royal Highness the Crown Prince told me that His Majesty the King, his father, directly requested that I be granted Jordanian citizenship."
Context: Statement at a press conference after the 2025 Arab Cup final
"I told him that I did not come to Jordan to achieve a single accomplishment and then leave, but rather I came to build a team, and when I feel that my project is complete, I will ask him to let me leave."
Context: Salami's response to the Jordan Football Association president's request to stay responsible for the national team