UAE Football Association gear up for President final

President Cup will start UAE tour from April 25 to May 17 ahead of final between Al Ahli and Al Ain.

UAE Football Association officials address the Press conference. — Supplied photo

Yousuf Yaqoub Al Serkal, president of the UAE Football Association said the final of the President Cup for the current 2013/14 season is going to be very special day for the sports community within the UAE.

“We are delighted to be working with our partners to prepare for this prestigious event which is something very dear within our hearts and marks the best conclusion for a fruitful season of the UAE football. The FA has setup a special committee to make a memorable day for all family members,” the country’s football boss told newsmen at the association’s office here on Wednesday.

The news conference was attended by Mohammed Abdul Aziz, FA board member and chairman of the executive committee of the President Cup final; Saeed Al Tunaiji, FA board member; Mohammed Hazzam Al Dhahiri, acting secretary general; Ali Hamad, acting general manager; Mariam Ahli, head of corporate communications at Al Hilal Bank; Faris Hamad, deputy chairman of sports production and operation at the Abu Dhabi Sports Channels; and Yousuf Ali Al Raisi, government relations manager, Al Futaim Motors (Toyota).

“It has been proposed that the President Cup shall tour all the parts of the UAE and hopefully the idea will receive the acceptance and satisfaction of the people. The main objective is to increase our direct contacts with the public and give them the opportunity to take pictures with the trophy and follow up the event before the kickoff of the final itself,” he said.

Al Serkal congratulated holders Al Ahli and Al Ain for reaching the final of the competition. “I would like also to thank the Ministry of Interior, Abu Dhabi Municipality, our partners the sponsors of the President Cup final for their kind cooperation with the association,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mohammed Abdul Aziz praised the extensive efforts of the committee during the last two months to prepare for a special final that commensurate with the great value of the championship.

“The idea of touring the country with the cup is intended to assert the national identity of the event and to reach the faithful fans in their places to encourage them to attend the match,” he said.

“We will start the tour on April 25 over two days in Fujairah, then head for Ras Al Khaimah on April 28 before reaching Sharjah on May 1, Al Ain May 9^th and the tour will be concluded in the Abu Dhabi on May 13 and remain there up to May 17.

“The President Cup will also visit the headquarters of the official sponsors of the UAE Football Association,” he added.

Khalid Mattar presented the stand of the President Cup during the tour pointing out that there will be interactive stand with play stations to promote the million player competition, and ipads with special applications to enable the visitors to register their details. “Free gifts will be distributed to the visitors during the tour,” he promised.

Special TV Coverage

According to Khalil Al Saffar, head of sports production and operation at the Abu Dhabi Sports Channels, 22 HD cameras will cover the event besides a special studio two hours prior to the kickoff and a special theatre at the match venue to host the winners. English and Arabic commentary will be provided for all viewers.

Al Hilal Bank proud

Mohammed Jameel, CEO of Al Hilal Bank Group said: “We are proud to support and sponsor the President Cup final as part of our commitment to develop football, the most popular game in the region. Sports in general is very crucial for the development of the society.”

Al Futaim surprises

Yousuf Ali reiterated that the final will see many surprises from Al Futaim Motors to underline the great value of the competition.