Dubai Sports Council Deputy Chair Says Big Events Testament To UAE Infrastructure

Dubai Sports Council Deputy Chair Mattar Al Tayer said that the return of the FIFA Club World Cup to the UAE in '17 and '18 "is testament to the country’s infrastructure," according to Ashley Hammond of GULF NEWS. FIFA announced on Friday the UAE’s winning bid ahead of Brazil, India and Japan, "less than two weeks after the Asian Football Confederation" awarded the Emirates the 2019 Asian Cup in preference to Iran. Al Tayer said that "hosting such tournaments highlighted the UAE’s capabilities and would in turn lead to the arrival of more high profile events." He said, "There are wonderful facilities and a network of advanced services in transport, communication, education and health sectors, making the UAE a model of human development, which has all contributed toward the hosting of various international events" (GULF NEWS, 3/23).