The draw for the FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2009, to be played for the first time ever in the Middle East from Dec. 9 to Dec.19, was held at Abu Dhabi's Emirates Palace Thursday. The draw was held under the patronage of Sheikh Hazza Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, Honorary President of the UAE Football Association and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council. Manchester United legend Sir Bobby Charlton made a special appearance on behalf of the current Club World Champion for the handover of the official trophy to the FIFA Club World Cup local organizing committee. Sir Bobby also joined UAE national team member Ismael Matar on stage for the draw. Chuck Blazer, Member of the FIFA Executive Committee and Chairman of the FIFA Club World Cup Organizing Committee, commented: “The match schedule is now final and with a fantastic line-up of clubs and players confirmed, we look forward to seeing some great football played here in Abu Dhabi in less than a month's time. The support and excitement for the tournament across the UAE has been tremendous and we are confident all of the clubs will receive a warm welcome.” For some of the competing clubs, the wait for the official draw has been a long one with Auckland City FC, FC Barcelona and Al Ahli FCD all earning entry into the competition back in May. By contrast, FC Pohang Steelers and TP Mazembe only sealed their places in the draw last weekend. The schedule: Dec. 9 – Al Ahli (United Arab Emirates) vs. Auckland City (New Zealand). Dec. 11 – TP Mazembe (DR Congo) vs. Pohang Steelers (South Korea). Dec. 12 – Al Ahli/Auckland City winner vs. Atlante (Mexico). Dec. 15 –TP Mazembe/Pohang Steelers winner vs. Estudiantes (Argentina). Dec. 16 – Al Ahli/Auckland City/Atlante winner vs. Barcelona (Spain). Dec. 16 – Fifth place match. Dec. 19 – Third place match. Dec. 19 – Final. Nigeria-Switzerland final Host Nigeria will take on Switzerland in the Under-17 World Cup final Sunday at the Abuja National Stadium after both teams won their respective semifinals in Lagos Thursday. Nigeria defeated Spain 3-1 while Switzerland trounced Colombia 4
