The moves are part of a
widespread crackdown on dissent following anti-government protests that have
resulted in journalists, bloggers, doctors, lawyers and activists being
detained. More than 150 athletes, coaches and referees also have been suspended
since April 5 for their alleged involvement in protests against the country's rulers
that began Feb. 14 and have left 30 people dead.
Sheikh Ali bin Khalifa Al
Khalifa, the vice president of the Bahrain FA, acknowledged the three players
have been detained but could provide no further information. He said the clubs -
two in the top division and four in the second - have withdrawn from the league,
which resumed two weeks ago due to “pressure from Shiite political groups.” Al
Khalifa said the two top division clubs could face relegation and all could be
fined for their refusal to play.
“Some of the clubs during the
problems refrained from participating,” Al Khalifa said. “We haven't suspended
anyone. They are just not participating. There is a fine and punishment of
course.” However, the Bahrain Youth Society for Human Rights says the clubs
from mostly Shiite villages were suspended from the league for two years and
fined $20,000. Along with football teams, the clubs sponsor a range of sports
in their communities.
Mohammed Al-Maskati, the
group's president, said clubs had stopped playing during the protests partly
because they felt it was too dangerous and also as an act of demonstration over
the deaths of protesters.
But he said that when the
clubs announced they were ready to resume playing, the authorities slapped the
suspension and fines on them.
“They could not work normally
when protesters are killed in their villages,” Al-Maskati said.
“The authorities want to tell
them that you are supporting the protests and this is the punishment. It's not
fair,” he said. “Just because you are a sportsman doesn't mean it's wrong to be
political. Everyone in the world has ideas about something. Everyone has the
right to get involved.” The clubs could not be immediately reached for comment.
