Tuesday, Jun 27, 2017

Abu Dhabi: Major General Mohamed Khalfan Al Romaithi, the FIFA Club World Cup’s local organising committee chairman, is leaving no stone unturned to ensure that the December 6-16 showpiece event in the capital is a smash hit.

The qualification of Europe’s star-studded club Real Madrid as the first team for the top-notch tournament has been a huge shot in the arm for the promotion of the event, said Al Romaithi on the sidelines of the mascot launch ‘Dhabi’ (The Arabian Gazelle) at the Yas Mall.

“We are well aware of what is needed as I was the part of it in 2009-10, Said Al Rumaith. “The only setback last time round was we didn’t have fans in the earlier matches when an Asian team was playing maybe an African team. “It all changed later from the semi-finals onwards, but this time we want to make sure that we have fans from match one and hence we have started the promotions early.

“At least we are sure for now that Cristiano Ronaldo’s Real match will attract a full house,” added Al Romaithi, who went on to add that the same mascot was used in 2009-2010 when Abu Dhabi first hosted the Club World Cup.

“This mascot has great significance in our environment and we did just some slight modifications to the look,” he said, “We have launched the logo and today the mascot. The venue is almost ready and the sub-committee is working on the accommodation, transportation and reception of the teams.

“All we are waiting for now, is to know which other clubs apart from Real Madrid would qualify from other continents,” added Al Romaithi, whose team will be conducting a workshop for the managers once the teams are finalised.

The television rights for the event have not been confirmed yet given the standoff with BeIN Sports, who have been holding the monopoly over sports events in the region.

Al Romaithi, however, was confident that FIFA would look at providing a solution to ensure that fans would not be deprived of watching the action.

“We are working on it and we would like everyone to watch the big event. We should be able to tackle it,” he said. “As of now, the ticket sales for the event is high and we have kept the ticket rates as cheap as possible - Dh 20 being the lowest.

“There will be a good media campaign for the event and we should not forget the support we will have for our local club - Al Ain or Al Jazira, whoever qualifies.”

Aref Hamad Al Awani, Tournament Director of the LOC, speaking on the occasion said, “Hosting the FIFA Club World Cup for the second time is a big responsibility for us. From our side we have to make sure we have full attendance for the matches but for the television coverage, FIFA and the local federation and all concerned will work together to make sure nobody is deprived of watching an event of this scale.”

Seven club champions will come together to claim the ultimate title with Real Madrid C.F., Auckland City FC, C.F. Pachuca and four other champions competing in eight title-deciding matches at the Zayed Sports City and Hazza Bin Zayed stadia.

In the lead-up to the tournament, two mobile roadshows - Excitement and Experience - will be touring the UAE in 200 days and will feature a variety of different interactive zones. Over 200,000 people are expected to take part between now and the end of the tournament.

By N.D. Prashant Staff Reporter

Gulf News 2017. All rights reserved.