May 28 – Al Hilal Bank, the Abu Dhabi bank, has renewed its sponsorship of the UAE’s premier club tournament, the UAE President’s Cup, for a fifth year. The other major sponsors are Etisalat and the Abu Dhabi Sports Channel.
The current edition is the 37th season of the region’s premier knockout tournament. The format pits the 14 Pro-League teams in a round of 16 with two clubs two clubs who have wualified via a tournament knockout from the UAE Division 1.
Reigning champions Al Jazira have failed to win a third straight title this year – the final will be between Al Ahli Dubai and Al Shabab. The winners qualify for the Group Stage of the 2014 Asian Football Confederation Champions League.
The bank will mark the final match of the 2012-2013 season with themed branch decorations. It will also have signage within the Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium and distribute gifts to fans during the championship match. Last year Al Hilal launched a ‘football credit card’ co-branded with UAEFA and Visa International to commemorate the tournament’s 36th edition.
The UAEFA President’s Cup debuted in 1974 as tribute to the UAE’s Head of State and has since produced a number of football stars. This year’s tournament will pit 16 teams against each other.
“We fully support the President’s Cup because it embodies the team spirit, excellence and physical fitness. As the national sport, football also fosters unity and national pride among citizens. We are excited to once again play an active role in this year’s season and join the country in rooting for the UAE’s top players. It will be thrilling to see both the Al Ahli Dubai and Al Shabab teams sharing the limelight as they pursue victory during the tournament’s deciding game,” said Mohammed Jamil Berro, CEO, Al Hilal Bank.
UAE president Yousuf Al Serkal said: “We are delighted to work with our partners who have made truly valuable contributions to Emirati football. The positive influence of our collaboration can be clearly seen in ongoing local tournaments and the national clubs of all divisions. Today, as we march into the finals of our precious UAE President Cup, we are privileged to pay tribute to our sponsors: Etisalat, Al Hilal Bank, and Abu Dhabi Sports.
“Their sponsorship has been key to developing the UAE President’s Cup. We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to these renowned national institutions and hope that our partnerships will continue to raise the bar for football in the UAE.”
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