AFC President hails Asia’s display at the FIFA Club World Cup

Sun, 13 Feb, 2022

AFC President hails Asia’s display at the FIFA Club World Cup

Abu Dhabi: Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has congratulated Asia’s representatives as well as the United Arab Emirates Football Association (UAE FA) and the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for their commendable efforts at the FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2021, which saw Chelsea claim the coveted club crown in Saturday’s final.

Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal SFC drew plaudits from football fans across the globe after their brave display in the semi-finals where the AFC Champions League 2021 winners were narrowly edged 1-0 by European and eventual champions Chelsea.

Third-Place Playoff: Nine-man Al Hilal fall to Al Ahly

Sat, 12 Feb, 2022

Third-Place Playoff: Nine-man Al Hilal fall to Al Ahly

Abu Dhabi: Nine-man Al Hilal SFC ended their FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2021 campaign in fourth place following a 4-0 defeat against CAF Champions League winners Al Ahly of Egypt at Al Nahyan Stadium on Saturday.

January signing Mohammed Al Owais conceded his first goal in Al Hilal colours just eight minutes into his debut after Tunisian left-back Ali Maaloul whipped a cross into the far post that was met by a header from defender Yasser Ibrahim to give Al Ahly an early lead.

UAE and van Marwijk part ways

Sat, 12 Feb, 2022

UAE and van Marwijk part ways

Dubai: The UAE Football Association announced on Saturday the departure of men’s national team head coach Bert van Marwijk and the technical team.

The 69-year-old Dutchman was shown the door with two matches remaining for UAE in the AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to Qatar. The West Asian side are third in Group A with Islamic Republic of Iran and Korea Republic having already booked their places to the Finals.  

Central Asian futsal’s next generation set to shine at CAFA U19 Championship

Fri, 11 Feb, 2022

Central Asian futsal’s next generation set to shine at CAFA U19 Championship

Bishkek: Future stars will emerge as Kyrgyz Republic plays host to Central Asia’s brightest futsal talents at the CAFA U19 Futsal Championship, starting Saturday.

Five teams will battle for regional bragging rights over five Matchdays at Bishkek’s Gazprom Arena, with every CAFA Member Association except for Turkmenistan taking part in the inaugural U19 event.
 
Played on a round-robin basis, the tournament will not only provide a platform for the region’s next generation of senior internationals but deliver competitive preparation for regional and continental competitions to come over the next two years.

Esteghlal snap up Uzbekistan’s Amonov

Fri, 11 Feb, 2022

Esteghlal snap up Uzbekistan’s Amonov

Tehran: Iran Pro League leaders FC Esteghlal have strengthened their bid for a first league title since 2013, securing the services of Uzbekistan international Azizbek Amonov on Friday.

The former PFC Lokomotiv midfielder joins the club on a two-and-a-half-year deal and follows Rudy Gestede and Arthur Yamga in joining Farhad Majidi’s squad this season.

AFC referees to officiate in FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2021 Final

Fri, 11 Feb, 2022

AFC referees to officiate in FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2021 Final

Abu Dhabi: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC)’s talented match officials have been appointed to take charge of the FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2021 Final between Chelsea and Palmeiras on Saturday.

Australian referee Chris Beath and assistant referees Anton Shchetinin and Ashley Beecham will officiate the anticipated final at the Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium while Ammar Aljneibi from the UAE has been selected as support Video Assistant Referee (VAR).