Dubai: The draw for the Dubai International Indoor Football Matches was made Tuesday, revealing the four UAE-based clubs going head-to-head with two of the world's most famous teams, Real Madrid and FC Barcelona.
Organised by Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) in partnership with Dubai Sports Council, the spectacular five-a-side tournament runs alongside Dubai Sports World, the largest ever indoor sports event in the UAE, and will take place in Shaikh Rashid Hall, Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, from 10-12 August with three evening matches per day from 9.30pm till 12.30am.
Battling it out against the two Spanish giants for the prize money of Dh100,000 will be Al Wasl Club, Sharjah, the UAE Stars team and a guest Palestine Stars side.
Dr Ahmad Al Sharif, Secretary General, Dubai Sports Council said: "The participation of Barcelona and Real Madrid, two teams that include the elite of former Spanish stars, demonstrates our organising committee's commitment to creating a distinctive tournament that can be proudly added to the many championships hosted by Dubai. The participation of teams from Al Wasl and Sharjah, along with the UAE Stars and Palestine Stars, will make the championship very special.
"We very much wanted our Palestinian brothers to participate in the tournament as an expression of our love and support to them in all life aspects including sports."
Victor Sanchez, one of the stars of the tournament and a Champions League winner with Real Madrid said that the visit to Dubai was as much about culture as competition. "This is an excellent chance for us to experience this amazing city and see for ourselves why Dubai has so much to offer. As always, the football is extremely tough and it will be great to see the level of the local sides, and to have our old rivals Barcelona here makes it very special."
The event will run from August 10-12, from 9.30pm-12.30am. Tickets are priced at Dh100 and Dh200. For more information, call 04 308 4797 or 04 308 4798.
Groupings
Group A
FC Barcelona
Palestine
Al Wasl
Group B
Real Madrid
Sharjah Stars
UAE Stars
Fixtures: Wednesday:
Palestine - Al Wasl
Real Madrid - UAE Stars
FC Barcelona - Al Wasl
Thursday:
Sharjah Stars - UAE Stars
FC Barcelona - Palestine
Real Madrid - Sharjah Stars
Friday:
Winner A - Runner Up B
Winner B - Runner Up A
Final WSF1 - WSF2
