Qatar forward Akram Afif said on Thursday that he encouraged local fans to throw objects onto the pitch to waste time during a decisive World Cup qualification match against the United Arab Emirates.

Qatar secured a 2-1 victory over the UAE at the Jassim bin Hamad Stadium in Doha on Tuesday, topping Group A of the Asian playoffs and earning direct qualification for the 2026 World Cup in North America.

The Asian champions needed a win to qualify directly, while a draw would have been sufficient for the UAE to advance.

Videos circulating online showed Afif gesturing to fans, who then threw water bottles onto the field near the end of the match.

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