“All the funds will be directed towards the rehabilitation of the infrastructure of the amateur clubs throughout the country,” Mohammed Khalfan Al Rumaithi, chairman of the UAE Football Association told newsmen at the Movenpick Hotel in Dubai on Tuesday.

“I would like to renew in the name of the FA our pledge and commitment to the directives of His Highness the President for the better and welfare of our country and community,” Al Rumaithi said.

“There’s no doubt about the simple fact that without a proper infrastructure, the development of the game will not be possible. We are truly obliged to the wise leadership of His Highness the President which stands behind all the achievements of our national teams at all levels,” he added.

The FA has conducted an overall survey and search of the exact situation and the actual needs of each individual club and the funds will be used accordingly. “Our job is to make things easier for the younger generations and this is the message and responsibility of our board. We are confident that with the great support received from the leadership, all obstacles and barriers will be removed from our way,” he said.

Al Rumaithi confirmed that the implementation of the project will not affect the season and the tournament will be running as usual.

“We have made arrangements to keep things going. All clubs will be able to continue training programmes and play their home and away matches smoothly,” he confirmed.

Meanwhile, Saeed Abdul Ghaffar, vice-president of the UAEFA explained that they have been working on the project for the last 18 months. “It’s a very long process which required a careful and in-depth study.

Ebrahim Fahmawi, director general of Al Batra Engineersing Consultations highlighted the project and the stages in which it’s going to be executed. The press conference was also attended by Yousuf Abdullah, secretary-general of the UAE Football Association.

hisham@khaleejtimes.com