Abu Dhabi gets Fifa thumbs up

Abu Dhabi: Fifa executive committee member Chuck Blazer has given Abu Dhabi two thumbs up ahead of next month's Fifa Club World Cup after revealing that the final inspection of venues that will host the tournament more than exceeded expectations of football's world governing body.

Blazer praised the UAE capital at the draw ceremony for the December 9-19 tournament in front of numerous international media and representatives of the seven clubs participating in the tournament.

The tournament involves the club champions of the various Fifa federations. Representing Europe are Spanish giants Barcelona, who are also the favourites in Abu Dhabi, while South America's Conmebol will present Estudiantes.

Atlante represent Concacaf, while Pohang Steelers and TP Mazembe have qualified from Asia and Africa, respectively. Completing the seven-team line-up are UAE champions Al Ahli, who qualified as representatives of the host nation, and Auckland City, who will fly the Oceania flag at the event.

Blazer assured the teams that everything concerning the tournament was "on track". "This is my third visit here and each time it keeps getting better and better. I am proud to say that the work is on track."

He said Abu Dhabi has the potential to produce the best tournament ever. "The hospitality we receive here is exceptional, just brilliant and we won't be surprised if this is the best ever Club World Cup. The cooperation we've received has been tremendous and after all final inspections we can say that they have exceeded expectations.

"This is an important tournament for Fifa and it signals the best opportunity for clubs around the world to prove themselves. All the teams that will play here are champions, they have won to get here and this is an important goal for the sides."

Draw

Last night's draw was conducted by England and Manchester United legend Sir Bobby Charlton and UAE star Esmail Mattar. Al Ahli get the tournament under way when they take on Auckland on December 9. Mazembe and Pohang face each other in the second match on December 11, while the winner of the Ahli/Auckland tie take on Atlante on December 12.

The first semifinal will be played between Estudiantes and the winner of the Mazembe/Pohang tie on December 15, while Barcelona take on the winners of the match involving Atlante and either Al Ahli or Auckland in the second semifinal on December 16.