Former Australia captain Craig Moore will pay a fine to settle charges stemming from a drunken dispute with a taxi driver and isn't expected to face jail time in Dubai, officials familiar with the ruling said Sunday.
Moore was fined 1,000 dirhams ($272) to settle the misdemeanor charge of illegal consumption of alcohol, said the officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the case publicly.
Judge Abdullah Khulaif Abu Zaid imposed the fine after Moore pleaded guilty in a Dubai courtroom Sunday, according to an account published online in Dubai daily Gulf News.
Moore, 34, was arrested Sept. 15 after he got into a drunken argument with a taxi driver over a $14 cab fare, then pushed police when they intervened, according to authorities quoted in the local media.
The former Socceroos captain faced the single misdemeanor alcohol charge after charges of refusing to pay and assaulting police were dropped. He had been free on bail.
Moore couldn't be reached for comment.
Local laws allow non-Muslim visitors to drink in bars and residents to purchase alcohol with a special license. Alcohol is also sold in well-stocked duty-free shops on arrival at Dubai International Airport, the region's busiest. Public intoxication is illegal, however.
Moore represented Australia at the 2006 and 2010 World Cups, after which he retired from international play. The defender made his name in 12 seasons with Rangers, winning numerous championships with the Scottish club. He also played for Crystal Palace, Newcastle, Borussia Moenchengladbach, and Greek club Kavala.
