100 days to go to FIFA U-17 WORLD CUP in UAE

Abu Dhabi, July 9, 2013 (WAM) - Tuesday sees the 100 days to go countdown begin in the run up to the FIFA Under 17 World Cup UAE 2013 action kicks off in October. The countdown, marked by the tournament mascot and ambassador, Shaqran, comes soon after the Local Organising Committee's (LOC) latest announcement of FIFA U-17 World Cup venue packages becoming available on its web-site and through toll-free numbers. The 15th edition of the tournament, which takes place across the six cities of Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah from October 17th to November 8th, is set to be a major highlight of the UAE sporting calendar in 2013. Mohammed Abdulla bin Bdoua, Tournament Director, said in a statement, "Preparations are well under way for staging the FIFA U-17 World Cup in less than four months time. We are expecting thousands of fans to attend the three-week festival across the UAE and excitement is on the rise both at the LOC and amongst our partners as we edge closer to the tournament. This is set to be one of the most spectacular football events hosted in the region and will witness the rise of future legends of the game. I would urge fans to get a front row seat for the action and get their tickets today!" "Early bird" venue packages are available ahead of the official draw on August 26th, when the 24 qualified teams will learn who they will face in the group stages of the competition. The venue packages allow fans to purchase a ticket for every match of the tournament in their selected host venue at a discounted rate. The final 24 qualified nations begin the tournament in six groups of four, with the top two teams in each group automatically qualifying for the Round of 16. The four best third-placed teams from the Group Stages will also progress to the knock-out stages. – Emirates News Agency, WAM