(FIFA.com) Tuesday 21 September 2010
2010 FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2010 is fast approaching and, if last year’s tournament is any gauge, then the upcoming edition is sure to be an unqualified success. Barcelona were victorious in 2009, while this year’s field is headed by the likes of Italian giants FC Internazionale and South American champions SC Internacional of Brazil.
His Excellency Mohammed Khalfan Al Romaithi, President of the UAE Football Association; His Excellency Mohammed Ibrahim Al Mahmood, General Secretary of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and Adenor Leonardo Bacchi, coach of UAE participants Al Wahda, all gave their views on the eagerly-anticipated December event ahead of the commencement of ticket sales today.
His Excellency Mohammed Khalfan Al Romaithi, President of the UAE Football Association
On welcoming the football community to the country
This is another great occasion for the UAE Football Association and we are delighted to be able to welcome the FIFA Club World Cup to the UAE for a second time.
Welcoming the champion clubs from each continent, being able to see world-class players in action, joining fans from around the world at the matches – all of these stimulate interest in the beautiful game. I am confident that this tournament and the activities planned to support will help inspire future generations.
His Excellency Mohammed Ibrahim Al Mahmood, General Secretary of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council
On the tournament's legacy and cross-community coordination
When we welcome sports events and teams to Abu Dhabi, a critical factor for the Sports Council is that each leaves a legacy, that each helps us develop the future. With the initiatives that are being introduced this year, the FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2010 will leave that legacy and it will help us build upon the strong passion for the game that exists here in the UAE.
We’ve seen the growth of football participation rise over the last year and we have no doubt that if we continue to host these types of events it can only enhance the popularity of the sport and encourage spectators to attend domestic league matches.
Adenor Leonardo Bacchi, coach of Al Wahda
On flying the flag for the host country and the chance to play against champions from around the world
The team had a very strong pre-season tour in Germany which helped bond the players closer together, and we have started the new season well. I can assure football fans across the UAE that we will be representing all of them. We promise to deliver a passionate and committed performance.
For me especially I'm really looking forward to the draw in November so we can try and plot our path in the competition. As the former coach of S.C. Internacional it would be fantastic were we able to come up against them in the semi-final, but we have to win two games of course first.
We are facing some tough competition during this tournament and regardless of where the teams are from we cannot ever underestimate our opponents. This is a very important tournament for Al Wahda and these players will be playing against some very strong competitors. Our goal is to make this nation proud and show the world that Al Wahda can become a dominant force in this global sport.
We are really urging the fans to come out and support the team because this will give the players more purpose to go out and keep on winning.
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