FA ropes in hefty sponsorship for President's Cup

Abu Dhabi: The UAE Football Association's (FA) tie-up with the World Sports Group (WSG) has resulted in a Dh3 million boost for the President's Cup final, to be played on Monday between defending champions Al Wasl and Al Ahli.

Mohammad Khalfan Al Rumaithy, the UAE FA president, announced at a press conference yesterday the UAE FA had tied up with WSG to promote and market activities of the FA.

"At a very short notice, the WSG has been successful in roping in sponsors for the President's Cup and this augurs well for the future.

Eye on football

"After the final, we will sit and chalk out a programme for the future. This will also allow us to concentrate on the football and leave the rest to them," said Al Rumaithy.

Aldar, Adnoc, HSBC and General Holding Corporation (GHC), along with WSG, will be supporting Monday's final which kicks off at 5.55pm at the Zayed Sports City.

Shamma Al Nuaimi, Aldar's corporate communications manager, marketing and media, said it was a prestigious issue to be involved with the President's Cup.

"We have been involved with the Gulf Cup football and also the Golf Championship. But this is epical as this event carries the name of His Highness The President. For us, it is part of our commitment to the community," Al Nuaimi said.

Representatives of the other sponsors also attended yesterday's briefing held at the UAE FA headquarters.

Meanwhile, the UAE FA president said the final was being held on a Monday in keeping with the advise of the Presidential Court.

"We are expecting a large turnout for this very important football event in the UAE. Both Al Wasl and Al Ahli are strong teams and we hope the final will be an exciting affair," Al Rumaithy said.

Website unveiled

Al Rumaithy also unveiled the new-look official website of the UAE FA - www.uaefootball.org. Complete with latest news, statistics, audio and video links. The website is in both Arabic and English.