UAE football clubs will reward fans who attend Arabian Gulf League matches with tickets to selected group matches for the 2019 Asian Cup being held in the Emirates.
The UAE will host the largest ever edition of the continental showpiece, with 24 teams taking part in the January 5-February 1 tournament. Six AGL stadiums will be used as part of the eight venues in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Dubai and Sharjah.
Tournament director for the Local Organising Committee, Aref Hamad Al Awani, said: “Club football is continuing to grow in the UAE and so too is the interest and support.
“Having the use of AGL stadiums gives the AFC Asian Cup the perfect platform to host this prestigious tournament, so it is only natural that the supporters who go to these games can also be part of the excitement of the tournament.”
Recognising the scale and stature of Asia's most prestigious tournament, Al Nasr vice chairman, Ahmed Hashim Khoory, whose club is launching the initiative, said: "Every week we welcome loyal and enthusiastic football fans to AGL matches. Giving more opportunities to our supporters is a great way to thank them for their support and allow everyone to be part of the AFC Asian Cup, which is a huge honour to have in our stadium."
Khalifa Mubarak, who plays for Al Nasr and a part of Alberto Zaccheroni's national team squad, said: “Supporters are fundamental to football. The energy that fans give is encouraging to players on the pitch and I can’t wait to play in the AFC Asian Cup and feel the support for the tournament from so many supporters.”
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