Al-Rumaithi: We look forward to hosting a wonderful copy of the FIFA World Cup

Maj. Gen. Mohammed Khalfan Al Rumaithi, Chairman of the Organizing Committee of the 2017 FIFA Club World Cup, confirmed that the tournament will be a celebration of football and a demonstration of the generosity of the UAE, which has been and remains a destination for international sporting activities.

"We are proud that the UAE will host this world championship, and the championship will be a major celebration of international football and will showcase the outstanding facilities and hospitality of our country," Al Rumaithi said in his opening remarks at the opening of the official draw in the UAE capital Abu Dhabi.

"Football has the strength to unify the world and we look forward to hosting a fantastic version of the FIFA Club World Cup, having already hosted the 2009 and 2010 editions," Al Rumaithi added.

It is worth mentioning that the draw of the Club World Cup put the Real Madrid team, the Champions League, on the path of the Asian champions, where the Asian champions play in the second round against the winner of the island of the United Arab Emirates, representative of the host country, and Auckland City of New Zealand, the champion of Oceania, The hosts face the Spanish team, in the semi-finals.

On the other hand, the African champions will meet Mexico's Pachuca, the CONCACAF, in the second round, qualifying for the South American champions.