Diego Maradona’s Al Wasl reign took another twist as goalkeeper Majed Naser was banned for 17 games by the United Arab Emirates FA Disciplinary Committee.

Rather than serve the full ban though, Naser has chosen to retire.

The UAE international sensationally slapped Al Alhi coach Quique Sanches Flores after losing 1-0 to the Emirati side in the Etisalat Cup semi-finals.

“This type of behavior not only damages the reputation of the individual but is also detrimental to the image of the club.” Majed Naser

Naser later accepted that his actions were “inappropriate and wrong”, but blamed a “provocative gesture” from Flores for the incident.

Naser, already suspended by his club, was slapped with the massive ban and fined 30,000 dirhams ($8,167).

Though he accepted the Disciplinary Committee’s decision, it was stated that he thought the punishment was “exaggerated and harsh”.

A 17-match ban would see him unavailable well into next season but Naser didn’t want to be a “burden”, nor for Al Wasl to “pay the price of my suspension”.

Maradona has said that Al Wasl plan to appeal the ban, but this does not seem to have been taken any further. Meanwhile the club have confirmed Naser’s retirement but hope he will reconsider, making the following statement:

Al Wasl Football Club’s management is surprised from Majed Nasser’s recent comment about his decision to retire from football but at the same time the management understand his frustration and the feelings he is going through following the 17 match ban that he received.

Al Wasl Football Club’s management confirm that they will do all that is possible to convince Majed Nasser to retract his retirement decision. Majed Nasser is a valuable national asset not just to Al Wasl but also to UAE football as a whole.

Watch the full slap video below: