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Football fans across the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will benefit from attending world-class live action this January, thanks to the UAE Pro League and its support of the 2019 AFC Asian Cup.
With the largest-ever AFC Asian Cup coming to the UAE next month, more stadiums are being used than ever before, including six homes to UAE Pro League clubs, as part of the eight venues for the four-week tournament.
The thousands of loyal football fans attending UAE Pro League matches each week will now be able to watch the AFC Asian Cup, thanks to the support of their clubs who have agreed to reward their supporters with tickets for selected group stage matches.
Recognising the scale and stature of Asia’s most prestigious tournament, Al Nasr vice chairman, Ahmed Hashim Khoory, whose club is launching the initiative commented: “Every week we welcome loyal and enthusiastic football fans to UAE Pro League matches. Giving more opportunities to our supporters is a great way to thank them for their support and allow everyone to be part of the AFC Asian Cup, which is a huge honour to have in our stadium.”
UAE National player Khalifa Mubarak, who plays for Al Nasr Club was hugely supportive of the initiative, “Supporters are fundamental to football. The energy that fans give is encouraging to players on the pitch and I can’t wait to play in the AFC Asian Cup and feel the support for the tournament from so many supporters.”
Tournament Director for the Local Organising Committee, his Excellency Aref Hamad Al Awani, added: “Club football is continuing to grow in the UAE and so too is the interest and support.
“Having the use of UAE Pro League stadiums gives the AFC Asian Cup the perfect platform to host this prestigious tournament, so it is only natural that the supporters who go to these games can also be part of the excitement of the tournament.”
His Excellency Salem Jerib Al Harthy, chairman of Baniyas Club, said: “The Asian Cup is one of the biggest events on the continental sports calendar and we are proud to host it in the UAE.”
“Bani Yas Club is an important part of the sport system in the UAE and plays a prominent role in supporting the success of all sporting events in a way that reflects the honorable image of the country. The Asian Cup is our top priority in the coming period and we’re working closely with the Local Organising Committee to offer support for the success of the tournament and ensure great attendances.”
With the AFC Asian Cup kicking off on January 5, the UAE Pro League will take a break to allow stadiums to stage the tournament, which opens and concludes at Zayed Sports City stadium on Friday February 1, 2019.
