Dubai International Indoor Football event set for kick-off

The Dh100,000 Dubai International Indoor Football Championship which pits four UAE-based teams against Spanish giants Real Madrid and FC Barcelona gets under way on Wednesday at Sheikh Rashid Hall, Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Organised by Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) in partnership with Dubai Sports Council, the five-a-side tournament runs alongside Dubai Sports World, the largest ever indoor sports event in the UAE.

There will be three matches each day from 9.30pm till 12.30am during the three-day competition.

The draw for the Dubai International Indoor Football Matches was made on Tuesday, revealing the four UAE-based clubs going head-to-head with two of the world’s most famous teams.

Battling it out against the two Spanish giants will be Diego Maradona's Al Wasl Club, Sharjah, the UAE Stars team and a guest Palestine Stars side.

Saif Al Mansoori, Deputy Head - Group Marketing and Branding of Emirates NBD, Strategic Sponsor of the event, said:  “It is a  great pleasure to be the strategic partner for Dubai International Indoor Football Championship, which fits perfectly within our role as an ambassador of economic and social progress for the UAE. Emirates NBD continues to support strengthening the event sector’s contribution to Dubai’s economy.”

Dr. Ahmed Al Sharif, Secretary General, Dubai Sports Council said: “The participation of Barcelona and Real Madrid, two teams that include the elite of former Spanish stars, demonstrates our Organising Committee’s commitment to creating a distinctive tournament that can be proudly added to the many championships hosted by Dubai. The participation of teams from Al Wasl and Sharjah, along with the UAE Stars and the Palestine Stars, will make the championship very special. We very much wanted our Palestinian brothers to participate in the tournament as an expression of our love and support to them in all life aspects including sports.”

Following the draw, Helal Saeed Almarri, CEO of DWTC said: “It is with great pleasure that we announce the teams playing in the inaugural match of the Indoor Masters League. The city remains committed to bringing the finest athletes and sporting events to the United Arab Emirates. Hosting international teams and players of such high calibre not only allows spectators to experience a series of thrilling matches but also cements Dubai’s international status as a global destination with world class facilities and infrastructure.”

Victor Sanchez, one of the stars of the tournament and a Champions League winner with Real Madrid said that the visit to Dubai was as much about culture as competition.

“This is an excellent chance for us to experience this amazing city and see for ourselves why Dubai has so much to offer. As always, the football is extremely tough and it will be great to see the level of the local sides, and to have our old rivals Barcelona here makes it very special.”

Speaking for FC Barcelona, Victor Manoz, with 60 Spanish International caps to his name added: “The Indoors Masters League is a very famous competition in Spain, with all major La Liga clubs taking part. To be in this region and play against local sides will be a new challenge, and one we know we will rise to. As always, whoever we play, wherever we play, we will wear the Barcelona shirt with pride and to the best our ability.”

Three-day grandstand passes for the event are priced at Dh100, with VIP passes at Dh200. For more information, please call 04 308 4797or 04 308 4798. Tickets are available at the venue or through Time Out Dubai.

Dubai Sports World is partnering with a number of government entities and professional sporting academies to bring maximum enjoyment and world class coaching to novices and experts on the sporting field and providing an outstanding sports environment for all visitors.

 

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