The UAE revealed on Friday that it had detained a journalist after comments he made off-air, ahead of a televised international football match that was hacked and posted online.

The incident occurred On October 12, shortly prior to the live broadcast of the UAE-Iraq World Cup qualifying match on the state-run Abu Dhabi Sports channel.

The news agency added that other suspects were arrested before being released on bail, citing the public prosecution for cybersecurity crimes.

"An audio and video clip circulated online showed the accused exchanging conversations... before the live broadcast," WAM reported.

The content of their conversation, according to the report, would "violate public morals, harm the public interest, and incite hate speech."

The journalist could face up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $136,131 USD if convicted.

The news agency confirmed that an investigation into the hacking has been launched, and three people involved in the broadcast have been fired as a result of the incident.