Manchester United's manager Alex Ferguson shakes hands with Khaled bin Hamad al-Busaidi, president of Oman's football federation in Doha
Sultan Qaboos of Oman has dismissed two ministers whose resignation had been demanded by the demonstrators in the country.
Qaboos bin Sayed Ali dismissed Hmud al-Busaidi, minister of the royal court, and General Ali bin Majid al-Maamari, minister of the office of the Sultan.
Al-Busaidi was replaced by Khalid bin Hilal bin Saud al-Busaidi, while al-Maamari was replaced by Sultan bin Mohammed al-Numani.
The Al-Arabiya television network reported democracy protesters had been calling for the dismissal of the two ministers.
Last week, the sultan announced a reorganization of the government of Oman, which was replaced six cabinet ministers and advisers were appointed some new ones.
Khaled bin Hamad al-Busaidi, president of Oman's football federation, kicks a soccer ball during at the Sports Congress and Exhibition at Aspire Dome in Doha