Dubai: The chief of the UAE Football Association (UAE FA) is eager for the country to test themselves against footballing superpowers such as Italy and England in order to improve.
Speaking to media during the inaugural general assembly conference of the UAE FA, Yousuf Al Serkal said: “Our challenges are both within and out on the pitch, and one of these for sure is that we want to test our national team against superior footballing sides such as Italy and England.
The UAE played Brazil in November 2005 and lost 0-8 to the five-time world champions in their last memorable, high-profile friendly match.
“But this is not the same team we have today. Since then we have won the Gulf Cup on a couple of occasions and qualified to the London Olympics and the UAE is among the best teams in Asia today. It would indeed be a good idea to see where we stand in world football by playing against top quality teams,” Al Serkal added.
“Work on getting these friendlies confirmed has already begun and there should be some sort of news within the next few months.”
The UAE FA’s general assembly conference was held on Saturday to make way for more transparency within the functioning of the association while also ensuring that clubs and partners get a fair idea of its internal working.
The UAE Pro League, now re-branded as the Arabian Gulf League, has its fair share of challenges as well with attracting spectators to matches among the top priorities for organisers. “We want to cement our position as one of the premier leagues in Asia. We are in the fortunate position and we want to become the most professionally run league and for this we need to create a competitive environment for the entire family,” Colin Smith, CEO of the Pro-League observed.
“We are keen to develop professional football in all aspects and work with our partners, within the UAE FA, with the clubs and our sponsors to see how we can improve with each and every match,” Smith vowed.
Several reports from various working committees were tabled during the course of the general assembly conference and veteran officials such as Qasim Sultan Al Banna, Khalifa Nasser Al Suwaidi, Saeed Bin Hazim, Ahmad Yaqoub, Mohammad Abdul Aziz and Ahmad Rashid Al Shehi were recognised with lifetime achievement awards for their contribution to the sport.
The 2013-14 season will begin with the Super Cup with league champions Al Ain taking on President’s Cup winners Al Ahli on August 30.
