Dubai ruler suddenly merges three top-tier clubs into one team – without telling them

THREE clubs in are in shock after they were suddenly merged into one by the ruler of Dubai – without being told

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum threw the top division of the UAE Pro League into disarray by turning Al-Ahli, Al Shabab and newly-promoted Dubai Club into Shabab Al Ahli Dubai Club.

Al Shabab had to call off a press conference unveiling their new manager Miroslav Djukic.

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And Al-Ahli are still contesting the Asian Champions League.

Even more bizarrely, the Sheikh’s decree ordering the change came the night before the fixtures for the 2017/18 season were due out.

He says his aim is to develop a super-club to compete in Asia and the world.

And a new logo and kit have already been put together.

A surprise beneficiary could be Argentina legend Diego Maradona and his new club Fujairah FC.

If the division downsizes from 14 to 12 clubs, second-tier Fujairah might earn a play-off spot for promotion.

But relegated teams Baniyas and Kalba will hope for a reprieve.