// Sports News

Khaldoon Al Mubarak, chairman of Manchester City Football Club, has announced that Mubadala Development Company will back the UAE national team for four years and also the Fifa Club World Cup 2009 and 2010. The two Club World Cups will be held in Abu Dhabi and will this year feature FC Barcelona. Whilst there will be some financial payments made, the deal concentrates on Mubadala investing in world class training and stadium facilities. The sponsorship agreement will see the part owners of Ferrari support youth development and help campaign to increase participation in the sport.

Al Mubarak (Managing Director and CEO of Mubadala Development Company) commented:

“Mubadala is proud to support football in the UAE, we are committed to playing an active role in facilitating the growth of the sport across the nation, from developing essential infrastructure and facilities through to supporting the UAEFA in its ambitions to create a talent pool for years to come.”

The deal is believed to be worth around $10m over the four years in straight financial payments, however the investment in infrastructure is likely to be much higher. Mohammed Khalfan Al Rumaithi, President of the UAE Football Association was clearly delighted at the agreement and stated:

“We are very pleased to have Mubadala’s support and commitment to football and youth development in the UAE. Football is the nation’s most loved sport – but we need to engage the youth and shape their skills early to ensure we have the talent to compete with the world’s best in the future.”

Etisalat have been confirmed as National sponsors of the FIFA Club World Cup for the next two years. The tournament brings together clubs from all over the world and will be held in Abu Dhabi in 2009 and 2010.

The deal will ensure Etisalat has National Sponsor rights and will be able to use the tournament in its promotional activities. Etisalat will also televise the games live to its 80 million customers in 18 countries.

Etisalat are eight months into a four year agreement with FC Barcelona who will be looking to capture the FIFA Club World Cup currently held by last year’s Champions League runners up Manchester United. Etisalat are Official International Telecom Partner of FC Barcelona and will be hopeful the Spanish side reach the final to gain maximum exposure from the event.

Nasir bin Obood, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Etisalat, said: “Etisalat has been a strong supporter and an endorser of the game of football for a long time, and is delighted to be associated with Fifa.

“Since our sponsorship of the Etisalat Football league in 2005, Etisalat has been an active supporter of the game, vigorously contributing to nurture and develop the National football talent.

“Through our multiple sponsorship activities, we aim to support this popular sport at local, national and international levels. Our commitment towards creating a robust national team saw realisation, when the UAE national team won the Gulf Cup 18th last year and the our under 18 team won the Gulf Cup sixth edition yesterday, bringing joy and glory to our country.”