The match schedule for the FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2009 was confirmed at the Official Draw at Abu Dhabi's Emirates Palace last Thursday afternoon, according to a release published by the FIFA's official website.
The Official Draw was held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Honorary President of the UAE Football Association and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council. Also in attendance was Chuck Blazer, member of the FIFA Executive Committee and chairman of the Organising Committee for the FIFA Club World Cup.
H.E. Mohammed Khalfan Al-Rumaithi, UAE FA President, His Excellency Mohammed Ebrahim Al Mahmood, General Secretary of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, and representatives from all seven participating clubs were also present.
Al-Rumaithi said: "We are less than a month away from kick-off and anticipation for the tournament is building significantly. We are very much looking forward to welcoming the players, staff and supporters of all seven clubs, many of whom will be visiting the UAE for the first time. We are confident all of the hard work and preparations over the last 18 months will ensure a memorable tournament for the whole of the UAE to enjoy." Manchester United legend Sir Bobby Charlton made a special appearance on behalf of the current club world champions for the handover of the official trophy to the FIFA Club World Cup Local Organising Committee, who will take the prize on tour throughout the UAE over the next month in anticipation of the tournament.
Sir Bobby also joined UAE national team player Ismaeil Matar on stage for the draw.
The following pairings are now confirmed: Match 1, 9 December: Al Ahli FC v. Auckland City FC Match 2, 11 December: TP Mazembe v. Pohang Steelers FC Match 3, 12 December: Winner Match 1 v. Atlante FC Match 4, 15 December: Winner Match 2 v. Estudiantes de La Plata Match 5, 16 December: Winner Match 3 v. FC Barcelona Match 6, 16 December: Loser Match 2 v. Loser Match 3 (5th place match)Match 7, 19 December: Loser Match 4 v. Loser Match 5 (3rd place match) Match 8, 19 December: Winner Match 4 v. Winner Match 5 Chuck Blazer commented: "The match schedule is now complete and with a fantastic line-up of clubs and players confirmed, we look forward to seeing some great football played here in Abu Dhabi in less than a month's time. The support and excitement for the tournament across the UAE has been tremendous and we are confident all of the clubs will receive a warm welcome." For some of the competing clubs, the wait for the Official Draw has been a long one with Auckland City FC, FC Barcelona and Al Ahli FCD all earning entry into the competition back in May. By contrast, Pohang Steelers FC and TP Mazembe only sealed their places in today's draw following their respective Champions League victories last weekend. – Emirates News Agency, WAM
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