Launching this week at the Diplomat’s Club in Dubai, the Patron’s Programme saw a team of businesses pledge their support to work closely within their communities, donating tickets for a number of matches throughout the AFC Asian Cup, which kicks off in less than two months on January 5.

Speaking on the launch of the Patrons Programme, Tournament Director for the Local Organising Committee, His Excellency Aref Hamad Al Awani commented:

“The Patrons Programme allows businesses to add extra incentives to their great ongoing community work, rewarding individuals or community groups with tickets to games during the tournament.

"As the UAE is home to many diverse cultures and communities, we want everybody to feel a part of the tournament. The Patrons Programme is just another example of how business and the community work side by side to support each other in the UAE."

Lee's impressive career, that keeps recording new milestones for goals and longevity, can be considered to have truly begun on the biggest stage at the 2000 AFC Asian Cup in Lebanon.

The prodigiously talented young forward had already shown his ability at the 1998 AFC U-19 Championship, where he was named Top Scorer and MVP, and had also helped Pohang Steelers win the 1997-1998 Asian Club Championship.

But it was in the AFC's most prestigious national team tournament that the then 21-year-old made his mark in.

Asian football fans will get the chance to take a glimpse at how their favourite teams are shaping up ahead of the big date in the UAE in January. With the bulk of the 24 sides contesting the continental title in action this month, we look at five exciting things to watch for during the coming international break.

AFC Asian Cup ambassador Abdullah unveiled a replica of the new AFC Asian Cup trophy, during the football activities and hosted a special question and answer session on his glistening career, which saw him clinch the Asian Footballer of the Year award on three occasions.

Bringing the celebration of the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 closer to communities, hundreds of thrilled children showcased their football passion, skills and knowledge as well as goalscoring celebrations alongside Abdullah, who netted over 70 goals for Saudi Arabia during his playing career.

With women breaking down sporting barriers, "It's My Game" aims to encourage women participation in football as athletes, fans and sports leaders and leave a lasting legacy of the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019.

The programme was kicked off with a panel discussion exploring ways women can play a more active role in the football industry.

The “It’s My Game” programme will host a series of events across the Emirates in the next four weeks, with some of the country’s biggest and most influential opinion leaders taking part in the conversation.

In Al Ain, the discussion was followed by football action on the pitch of Al Ain’s renowned Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium which also provided participants with an opportunity to enjoy a friendly game of football.

Swede Eriksson will work alongside Scott Cooper, who handled the Azkals in their previous two matches. Eriksson and Cooper worked together at English club Leicester City in 2010-2011.

Azkals manager Dan Palami told Philippines media that Eriksson, who managed England in the 2006 FIFA World Cup, has signed a six-month contract with the PFF.

UAE national players Mohanad Salem and Rayan Yaslam, along with AFC Asian Cup ambassadors Zuhair Bakheet and Majed Abdullah were welcomed to an action-packed day with young football fans at the Hazza Bin Zayed stadium in Al-Ain, as part of a football-led educational event. The school festival in Al Ain is being held on Monday and Tuesday and is open for the general public from 4pm-10pm.

In the leadup to the biggest and best AFC Asian Cup in history, children across the country are honing their skills in areas such as leadership and problem-solving through football. They are also being exposed to a new culture as each school prepares to offer a warm welcome and cheer on their adopted visiting teams throughout the tournament in January.