 In January 2016, the UAEFA signed a partnership with the United States Sports Academy to provide the Emirati association a football club operators licensing program.In December 2016, the UAEFA renewed its partnership with the Japan Football Association.In February 2017, the UAEFA warned 46 football players (including Asamoah Gyan) about their inappropriate hairstyles that did not conform to its islam-inspired guidelines.