President of the UAE Football Association: The opening scene increases our ambitions to organize a different tournament
Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, President of the Emirates Football Association, Chairman of the Higher Organizing Committee for the FIFA Club World Cup “UAE 2021”, expressed his great happiness at the great success achieved by the opening of the tournament, and said in the statements transmitted by the official website of the UAE Football Association: “Al-Jazira’s victory with a big result and great and honorable performance contributed to the success of the opening day, and left a strong impression that we are facing an exciting tournament, especially since it is expected that the public turnout will increase with the appearance of Al-Ahly of Egypt, the African champion, and the Saudi Al-Hilal, the Asian champion, in the competitions, where the two clubs enjoy overwhelming popularity in the Arab world.
The opening of the tournament, which brought Al-Jazira together with his Tahitian counterpart, Perai, witnessed a 4-1 victory for the Emirati football representative, after a good display by Al-Jazira team, which dominated the match from the beginning, and presented a beautiful match, to reach the quarter-finals of the tournament, where it meets Al-Hilal of Saudi Arabia on Sunday in Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium.
The President of the Football Association praised the mass behavior and organization, stressing that the fans are the effective element in the success of major events, especially since the tournament is held in accordance with the highest international standards regarding the precautionary measures for the Corona virus, stressing that the UAE has the most appropriate protocol to deal optimally with all circumstances surrounding the virus, and in what the audience and players are guaranteed, is to live a great experience in an appropriate and safe environment.
The Chairman of the Supreme Committee of the Club World Cup added: “Al Jazeera presented a good match, during which the spirit of the players appeared, which confirms the team’s desire to go far during the tournament, while recognizing the difficulty of the tournament from one match to another.” And the wonderful image of the Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium, increases the ambitions to organize an exceptional and different tournament, as the era of the Emirates has always been, as our goal has always been to reflect the true image of the UAE in hosting a wonderful tournament, and welcoming every guest on the land of the state.”
Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid expressed his happiness with the equipment and preparations at the Al Nahyan and Mohammed bin Zayed stadiums, stressing that the organizing committee played a major role in the preparations to host the fifth edition of the major championship, and achieved the level required by the International Federation, and continued: “This matter is not strange for Abu Dhabi and all the cities of the Emirates, where the capital had previously left a large imprint on that particular tournament, by hosting 4 copies, all of which achieved impressive success, which encouraged the International Football Association to grant Abu Dhabi the right to organize again, and contributed to increasing understanding and cooperation on our part with FIFA.
He added, “The world is invited to attend one of the strong FIFA tournaments, and also enjoy the UAE climate at this time, which represents the most beautiful winter in the world, while following a number of mass matches,” stressing the ability of the people of the Emirates to make this sporting event a success, and to come out with great successes added to tournaments. Previously hosted honorably in the years 2009, 2010, 2017, 2018.
Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi thanked the wise leadership for its continuous support for sports and for creating all the appropriate conditions for hosting continental and international sporting events, and said: “We are fortunate in our leadership that provides the sports community with unlimited support in order to achieve its goals.”
Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi praised the continuous cooperation with the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and its great role in preparing the best ways for this hosting, stressing that the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and the rest of the sports councils in the country play important roles in advancing Emirati sports and pushing it forward at all levels, technical and organizational.
Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi attended the opening match and met with His Excellency Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa, President of the Asian Football Confederation, Yasser Al Mishal, President of the Saudi Football Association, Dr. Rajaa Allah Al Salami, Secretary General of the Arab Football Association, and a number of guests of the tournament.