The UAE is looking to bring back the FIFA Club World Cup to its shores as it was announced it will be bidding to host the 2017 and 2018 editions.
FIFA revealed they have received a total of 31 declarations of interest which include bids from the UAE to host the 2017 and 2018 Club World Cups as well as the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2017.
India and Japan have expressed their wish to host the 2015 and 2016 editions of the Club World Cup, while Brazil and Japan join the Emirates in the race for the two subsequent tournaments.
The complete set of bidding documents has to be provided by August 25 and the Executive Committee will then select the host in September this year.
The Club World Cup has previously taken place twice before in the UAE in 2009 and 2010 with Abu Dhabi playing host both times.
It is unclear at this stage which city officials plan to stage the tournament in but having used the Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium and Zayed Sports City Stadium in 2009 and 2010, and the recent opening of the impressive Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain, Abu Dhabi is the logical option.
Lionel Messi scored the winner in extra-time as Barcelona won the 2009 tournament with a 2-1 victory over Estudiantes of Argentina.
In 2010, Rafael Benitez-led Internazaionle triumphed over Congolese side TP Mazembe 3-0.
Dubai’s Al Ahli took part in the 2009 edition, as the team included from the host nation, while Abu Dhabi’s Al Wahda participated in 2010.
The Emirates has a strong relationship with FIFA having hosted the Under-17 World Cup across six of its cities, impressing organisers and players.
Other bids announced include interest from England, France, Korea Republic, New Zealand and South Africa to host the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2019.
