Abu Dhabi: The customary curtain-raiser for the season, Arabian Gulf Super Cup scheduled to take place in Egypt next month, has been rescheduled to January 2018 to promote it better.
The match between 2016/17 Arabian Gulf League champions Al Jazira and 2017 President’s Cup winners Al Wahda was slated to be staged in Cairo on September 15.
No date has been set for the outing but Yousuf Mohammad Rasool Al Khoury, Vice-President of the executive office of the Pro League Committee (PLC), explained that the PLC received a request from promoters Presentation Sports to reschedule the match to January 2018.
It will be the second time that the Super Cup is held outside the UAE following last season’s encounter between Al Jazira and Al Ahli, which saw Al Ahli triumph 2-1. Like last season, the winners take home Dh1 million while the runner-up will be richer by Dh500,000.
“After studying the request and coordinating with the two clubs involved, the PLC accepted the request. Past few days witnessed extensive meetings and communications with all stakeholders to ensure the match takes place in the most suitable circumstances. The new date will be confirmed after coordinating with all stakeholders,” said Al Khoury adding that holding the Super Cup outside the UAE serves great purpose as it is important for strengthening ties between the UAE and other friendly nations as sport is not just about winning or losing but about building bridges that connect nations.
Ayed Mabkhout, the CEO of the Al Jazira FC, also welcomed the decision and felt that it would give his team time to prepare better.
“We will take all that into consideration and see that it does not affect the other schedule. Also we will be more prepared and in a better position in January,” said Mabkhout, whose counterpart Al Wahda’s Deputy CEO, Abdullah Salem Al Junaibi also shared the same sentiments.
Presentation Sports Board of Directors Chairman Mohammad Kamel insisted his company is keen to ensure delivering the best match in all aspects, revealing that rescheduling the match was caused by important technical and marketing considerations.
“Our desire to deliver a highly successful event is the main reason for rescheduling. We will give our best to produce a match that meets the expectations of football fans in both countries. We are hoping to organise a more special edition and work hand in hand with the PLC and the clubs to produce a match that pleases everyone”, said Kamel.
Arabian Gulf League rescheduled
The Pro League Committee has also announced changes to fixture times for matchweek 1 and 2 of the Arabian Gulf League following the rescheduling of the Arabian Gulf Super Cup. Matchweek 1 will now take place on the September 15 and 16. The opening day will witness three matches; Emirates face Al Dhafra at 5.30pm while Al Jazira host Ajman ten minutes later and Sharjah welcome Al Nasr at 8.30pm to round off the day’s matches.
Matchweek 1 continues with two afternoon matches on the second day; Shabab Al Ahli Dubai face Hatta at 5.35pm while Al Wahda face Dibba at 5.40pm. Al Ain welcome Al Wasl to Khalifa Bin Zayed Stadium at 8.30pm to conclude the matchweek.
Matchweek two takes place over three days between September 21 and 23 with two matches in each day; Al Dhafra host Sharjah at 5.35pm and Al Wasl welcome Emirates at 8.30pm on September 21.
The second day starts with Dibba against Al Jazira at 5.25pm and Al Nasr face Al Wahda at 8.30pm. Matchweek 2 concludes with two matches on September 23; Hatta face Al Ain at 5.25pm, while Ajman play Shabab Al Ahli Dubai at 8.30pm.
Al Ain’s match against Hatta will be rescheduled to the September 20 should they progress to the AFC Champions League semi-final.
