Fahad al-Muwallad, a Saudi international striker currently with Al-Shabab, has been admitted to intensive care following a fall from the balcony of his Dubai residence, as reported by Saudi and Emirati authorities on Sunday.
The 30-year-old, who participated in the 2018 World Cup but was excluded from the 2022 team due to a doping suspension, reportedly fell from his second-floor apartment while vacationing in the emirate, according to the Dubai government media office. It confirmed that Muwallad is now receiving intensive care at a local hospital.
The Saudi consulate in Dubai issued a statement on X, indicating that they were notified of an "accident at (Muwallad’s) private residence… on Thursday" and are monitoring the police investigations.
Al-Shabab's captain has traveled to Dubai to assess Muwallad's condition. Additionally, Saudi newspaper Al-Madina has raised "criminal suspicions," referencing "informed sources."
Prior to his time at Al-Shabab, Muwallad played for Al-Ittihad in Jeddah and had a notable international career, netting 17 goals in 74 appearances.
However, he has faced challenges related to doping, having served two suspensions: the first in May 2019 and the most recent from March 2022 to September 2023, after testing positive for furosemide, a diuretic that conceals anabolic steroids and is prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).