Hamdan bin Mubarak sends wishes for new football season
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)With the new football season kicking off this Saturday with the Pro League's first round, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, President of the UAE Football Association (UAEFA), has expressed hope that more and more talented players raise their levels and show up with passion and ambition.Football fans are anticipating a strong start with local club teams using the break to prepare through training camps and friendly matches.Sheikh Hamdan bin Mubarak pointed out in a welcome statement that the passion for football among fans and the community provides a strong boost to the local competitions and encourages dedication and creativity, and that fans will be an active partner in the season's competitions.'We look forward to a distinguished and exciting football season, and we hope that the competitions will present us with new stars and talented players who will strengthen our national teams and contribute to achieving further achievements for Emirati football.'He also noted that the start of the season this month helps international players representing the national team improve their physical fitness and start advance preparation for October's Asian qualifying play-off matches for the 2026 World Cup.The UAEFA president praised the efforts of the UAE Pro League and its preparations for the season, stressing that the Football Association supports the League's plans.'We hope that the new football season will be a source of strength for our national teams and clubs in their international participation, and we are confident that all parties will work as one team to serve Emirati football,' he said.The president's statement noted that the referees have completed their preparations through an external camp, and are expected to perform with distinction while accumulating experience from officiating in local and international matches.
GCC League Draw The Arab Gulf Cup Football Federation has announced the draw for the second edition of the rebranded Gulf Club Champions League, featuring eight top teams from across the region.Al Ain will top Group A, alongside Zakho SC from Iraq, Sitra Club from Bahrain, and Qadsia SC from Kuwait. Group B will see Al Rayyan from Qatar compete with Al Shabab FC from Saudi Arabia, Al Nahda from Oman, and Tadamon Hadramout from Yemen.The competition will kick off in October, with the top two clubs from each group advancing to the semi-finals. The winners will then battle for the title in the final.
Defending champions Duhol of Iraq failed to qualify and will not feature in the tournament, earlier known as the GCC Champions League and which was revived last year after an eight-year hiatus in a new avatar.
Source: Aletihad - Abu Dhabi
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