Teams handed President's Cup draw

Dubai: Defending President's Cup champions Al Ahli have landed a comparatively easier draw than league holders Al Shabab for the 2008-09 competition.

As defending champions Al Ahli have been given a bye in the second half of the draw along with city rivals Al Nasr, while league champions Al Shabab will also recieve a bye along with star-studded Al Jazira from Abu Dhabi in the upper half of the competition.

But on paper, the road to the final may be tougher for Al Shabab compared to that faced by arch-rivals and neighbours Al Ahli.

"I think Al Ahli has been luckier than us as our half of the draw is much tougher than what they have got," Al Shabab team manager Obaid Al Hubaitha told Gulf News.

"But we are ready for any challenge that will be thrown at us," he added.

Given a first round bye, Al Shabab are likely to face the winner of the match between Ras Al Khaimah and Al Jazira Al Hamra. Success there would lead them to a possible tie against either Sharjah or Al Shaab, who face Al Arabi and Ittihad Kalba respectively in the first round.

Eight-time champions Sharjah will start their campaign against Al Arabi with the likelihood of taking on neighbours Al Shaab further on.

Loaded further down in the draw, Al Jazira wait for the winner of former champions Al Wasl and Al Hamriya. The winner of that tie will have to be ready to face Al Wahda in Round 16, provided the capital side can get past Hatta Club.

In the lower half of the draw, Al Ahli are likely to run into four-time winners Al Ain in the quarterfinals provided they can beat rivals including Ajman, Fujairah, Bani Yas and Masafi along the way.

Al Nasr would appear to have the easier route with lowly Al Khaleej the only UFL side to pose a threat to their march to the semifinals. Action gets under way with the first round matches on October 30 and 31. The final is scheduled to be held on April 31.

Bank signs agreement

Al Hilal Bank, one of the region's top Islamic banks, has signed a reported Dh10 million sponsorship agreement for this year with the UAE Football Association (UAEFA) for the President's Cup.

"It is indeed a proud moment for us to have the opportunity to be associated with and be the sole sponsor of the President's Cup," stated Mohammad Jamil Berro, CEO of Al Hilal Bank. "This sponsorship is part of our overall strategy to be closer to our customers and the community."