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.

Striker Arzani is due for further investigations and a review with a knee specialist in Europe early next week, which will determine the full extent of his injury and the prognosis moving forward.

Socceroos head coach Graham Arnold said: “We have great confidence in the staff at Celtic FC to manage Daniel’s injury appropriately. FFA’s performance team will continue to liaise closely with Celtic and Daniel to provide Daniel with whatever assistance he requires.”

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.

 

The AFC Asian Cup buzz is in the air, tickets are on sale last week, and excitement has been building as 24 Asian nations prepare for the biggest competition in the continent. You, the fans, have been equally enthusiastic, raining in questions about the history of the tournament.

So here we are. A special edition round four of the Asian Football Trivia, all about the AFC Asian Cup. Remember to send us your questions for next week via our social media handles and don’t forget to include the hashtag #AskAFT. Enjoy!

Now that voting for the best ever AFC Asian Cup XI is complete, you chose your favourite forwards, midfielders, defenders and goalkeeper, it's time to choose one iconic coach to lead the team.

So, here are six AFC Asian Cup-winning candidates for a place on the dugout. Review the nominees and then choose your favourite coach for this all-star XI in the poll below.

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.

Australia’s 4-0 win over Kuwait during the international break pushed the Socceroos one position up to 42nd, while Japan were the Continent’s best movers, moving four spots up to 50th, courtesy of their wins against Panama and Uruguay earlier this month.

Korea Republic, who also beat Uruguay and drew against Panama, improved by two positions to 53rd, followed by Saudi Arabia who dropped a spot to 72nd to complete Asia’s top five teams.

The top five, along with 19 other teams from across the Continent, will meet in the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 from January 5 to February 1.

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Asia’s Top 10 Iran (30th)
Australia (42nd)
Japan (50th)
Korea Republic (53rd)
Saudi Arabia (72nd)
Syria (74th)
China PR (75th)
United Arab Emirates (81st)
Lebanon (82nd)
Oman (84th)