The Minister for Tourism and Major Events from the State Government of Victoria in Australia says she is looking forward to welcoming the UAE football team to next year’s Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Asian Cup.
Victorian Minister Louise Asher met with His Excellency Yousuf Al Serkal, President of the UAE Football Association, at a ‘Put Victoria on Your Table’ dinner in Dubai this week where they discussed the UAE’s qualification in the showpiece event in the presence of prominent Emirati businessman Issa bin Abdullah Al Ghurair.
Australia will host the AFC’s Asian Cup from 9 to 31 January 2015, with Melbourne, the capital of the State of Victoria, hosting the opening ceremony and a number of games.
The event will be an opportunity to showcase Victoria as a vibrant economic, sports and multicultural hub to the rest of the world.
The UAE secured their place at the tournament with ease, topping Group E with a perfect record from five games. The Whites – currently ranked fifth in Asia after a stunning year – are rightly regarded as one of the favourites for glory in 2015.
Mahdi Ali's men take on Uzbekistan on Wednesday in the final group game looking to win their 16th game in a row.
“I’ve been delighted to learn that the UAE football team has qualified for the Asian Cup in 2015,” said Minister Asher, who was leading Victoria’s ‘Super Trade Mission’ to the Middle East.
"Melbourne is excited to be hosting the opening ceremony and we look forward to welcoming the UAE to our country.”
The UAE will join a host of other leading Asian football nations, including defending champion Japan.
UAE Football Association President Yousuf Al Serkal said: “We are proud of what the UAE national team has achieved during the Asian qualifiers which was the result of hard work and dedication.
"We are sure that the team’s performance at the tournament will delight football lovers and that Australia will succeed in organising this major event.”
Victoria’s close ties with the UAE’s sporting industry have continued to grow on many levels, in particular through key partnerships with the UAE’s Emirates Airline and the national carrier Etihad Airways.
