FIFA Deputy Dir of Competitions Inaki Alvarez "is confident the UAE will be in prime position to reap abundant benefits" by hosting the World U17 World Cup in Dubai in less than two months, according to Alaric Gomes of the GULF NEWS. Alvarez said, "Over the past few years, we have all seen the benefits this country has reaped while winning the Gulf Cup on a couple of occasions and making their maiden appearance at the Olympic Games in London last year." Alvarez is part of the FIFA delegation "inspecting the six venues" scheduled to host the U17 World Cup, which is being held in the UAE from Oct. 17 to Nov. 8 (GULF NEWS, 8/22). In Abu Dhabi, John McAuley wrote FIFA delegates "spent the past five days touring the venues," and informed the Local Organising Committee that "they were satisfied with what they have seen." Now, though, "the baton is passed to the LOC's 'venue teams' who must ensure the Emirates are ready to host 24 international sides across 52 matches." FIFA "will return in early October for a final assessment" (THE NATIONAL, 8/21).
