Reigning champion Asiatic Cultural Center A (ACC-A) will lock horns with Nadec Blue Star Sports A to kick off the annual SIFF Western Union Soccer 2012 at the Ministry of Education Stadium here at 5.00 P.M. Friday. The 16th annual league, which has been approved by the General Presidency of Youth Welfare (GPYW) and conducted by Saudi Indian Football forum (SIFF), is mainly sponsored by Western Union Money Transfer. The fixture of the three-month long soccer festival was released by B.S. Mubarak, Haj Consul of India, last Friday by handing over a copy to former SIFF President Vallanchira Mohammed Ali. Media Connect President Dileep Ibrahim, Western Union Regional Manager Mohammed Ashiq, Naseem medical Group Chairman K.T. Rabiullah, Jeddah national Hospital Chairman V.P. Mohammed Ali, Enjaz representative Turkim and former presidents K.P. Abdul Salam and T.P. Ahmed graced the ceremony. SIFF President Hifsu Rahman said that the tournament will begin with a colorful marchpast. Indian Consul General Faiz Ahmed Kidwai will be the cheif guest of the day. The tournament got a big boost with Al-Abeer Medical Group coming forward as a major sponsor after Western Union. It will also donate the runner-up trophies. According to the fixture, in all there will be 36 matches. The inaugural day will feature only one match but all other Fridays there will be two matches. The finals will be on May 18. The matches will be officiated by Saudi referees. The teams and groupings: First Division: ACC-A, Nadec Blue Star A, Al-Bassami Freinds, Sharafiya Trading BCC FC and ABC Cargo - Real Kerala. Second Division: Group A – ABC Kerla XI, ACC-B, Bharat Recreation Club, International Indian School, Young Challengers Club. Group B – Emami Blue Star Sport B, Combined Brothers, Jeddah Sports Club, United Sports Club, ABC Cargo Yas Club.
