Four additional teams make the grade for seven-a-side event
All set for success of seventh edition of Maktoum Bin Rashid Football Championship
An additional four teams have been included for the seven-a-side Seventh Maktoum Bin Rashid Football Championship that will get under way at the Dubai Police Officers Club from the third day of Ramadan.
Held under the patronage of Shaikh Mohammad Bin Maktoum Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the annual tournament had 16 teams last year, but due to popular demand the organisers decided to increase the participation by four. The final of the tournament is scheduled for the 19th day of Ramadan.
Held regularly since its first time in 2011, participating teams enrol some of the top players from the UAE, the Arab and foreign countries. The competition is an ideal platform for government departments and institutions to meet and compete in an off-field atmosphere of fraternity.
Group A:
Al Marhoun Khamis; Barcelona; Blu Grana; Sport For All; The Gunners Al Marouf; Al Fursan; Bin Darwish; Al Joker; Tornado Challenge; Al Nojoom Stars; MK Team; Al Theyaba; Al Difa Al Madani Mohammad Ali; Leader Sport; Al Joma; Technical College; Al Eyala.
Group B: Group C: Group D:
Last year, the Joker team was crowned champion following a hard-fought 3-2 win over the RAK Hawks, while hosts Dubai Police finished in third place.
Major General Mohammad Saeed Al Marri, Director of the General Department of Community Happiness, said that the Organising Committee had decided to increase the number of teams as there had been a growing demand for the same.
“We achieve a lot of social benefits through an event of this stature. Our youths stand to benefit by taking part in competitive sport during the holy month,” Al Marri said.
Sponsored by Emirates NBD, Leader Sport, Pocari Sweat, Al Rawabi and Joma, there will be four matches every day with the first one starting at 10pm.