Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Abu Dhabi: AFC President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has arrived in the UAE capital Abu Dhabi, to attend the FIFA Club World Cup 2017.
The AFC President was received by UAE FA President H.E Marwan bin Ghalita, Abu Dhabi Sports Council General Secretary H.E Aref Al Awani and several officials from UAE FA and Abu Dhabi Sports Council.
Shaikh Salman, in expressing his happiness in visiting Abu Dhabi, expressed confidence that UAE would provide
the best to make the FIFA Club World Cup 2017 a success, in line with its reputation of successfully hosting major international sports events.
Shaikh Salman said: "FIFA's decision to give the hosting rights to UAE reflects the international trust the UAE has that it can provide the best conditions for hosting any football event.
"UAE has already hosted several global and continental competitions in recent years, which makes us sure that it can continue the journey of providing the highest international standards."
The AFC President added that hosting the FIFA Club World Cup 2017 in UAE continues Asian football's success in hosting major events the last few months, after Bahrain hosted the FIFA Congress, Korea Republic organised the FIFA U-20 World Cup and India hosted the FIFA U-17 World Cup.
Shaikh Salman also expressed his best wishes to Asia's FIFA Club World Cup 2017 representatives, Al Jazira and Urawa Red Diamonds, saying both teams would make the Continent proud.
"Al Jazira have a good combination of players with international experience, and they have the support of local fans which we hope will push the team to perform well in the competition.
"Urawa Reds are in good condition after winning the AFC Champions League 2017, and we hope this will give them the push to leave a mark at the global level."
The tournament will be played on December 6-16.