ABU DHABI — The Local Organizing Committee (LOC) of the FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2017, has announced that stadia upgrades and refurbishments for both Zayed Sports City Stadium (Abu Dhabi) and Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium (Al Ain), are on track and ready to welcome the world’s best clubs and fans, from six continents between Dec. 6 –16. FIFA inspected the preparation work conducted by the LOC on all areas involved in such high level tournament such as safety, security, structural and technical measures, access control, TV, media, marketing and all the areas linked to the competition aspect. “The UAE has world-class stadiums and training facilities and we are very satisfied with the LOC preparations, to host the tournament this December,” commented Jamie Yarza, head of FIFA tournaments. Each stadium has made infrastructural changes ahead of the December event, designed to enhance the fan experience and comply with FIFA regulations. The Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium, which won Stadium of the Year in 2014, has made major technological advancements and is now the only stadium in the UAE capable of broadcasting matches in 4k ultra High Definition. Zayed Sports City, the largest football stadium in the UAE, underwent a major refurbishment ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2009 and has made some upgrades to the public facilities and VIP areas ahead of this year’s competition. “The FIFA inspections highlighted the impressive stadiums and training facilities we have here in the UAE. The investment in Zayed Sports City Stadium and Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium has resulted in both being considered as leading sports venues in the region. We look forward to welcoming teams and fans this December for a world-class live sporting experience at the FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2017,” said Aref Al Awani, tournament director of the LOC. As part of the inspections, host training facilities were also visited including; Sultan Bin Zayed Stadium, Zayed Sports City, Abu Dhabi Cricket Club, Officers Club, Armed Forces Stadium, New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD), Khalifa Bin Zayed Stadium, Tahnoun Bin Mohammed Stadium and the Special Needs Centre – all of which passed inspections. “We have the experience of hosting the tournaments in 2009 and 2010. Both tournaments were very successful with record attendance and global TV viewership. Building on this success and development of stadia infrastructure, hospitality, transportation, ticketing and tourist attractions over the last seven years, fans are guaranteed a world-class sporting experience they will never forget in the capital,” added Al Awani. The FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2017 will feature the world’s top club sides including; C.F. Pachuca (CONCACAF Champions League winner), Auckland City FC (OFC Champions League winner), Real Madrid C.F. (UEFA Champions League winner) and Al Jazira (host nation qualifier), plus the winning teams of the CAF Champions League, AFC Champions League and the Copa Libertadores (CONMEBOL). Tickets available at www.fifa.com/uae2017 Tickets for next month's FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2017 are still available and fans from around the world are being encouraged to purchase them now or risk disappointment. The message, from the tournament's LOC, comes as the final line-up of teams is close to being confirmed with some of the most iconic club sides in the world either already qualified or in the final stages of their regional Champions League competitions. Tickets are available for all of the first five matches, including the opening game between UAE Arabian Gulf League champions, Al Jazira, and OFC Champions League winners, Auckland City FC. The game will kick-off the tournament at the Hazza bin Zayed Stadium on Wednesday, Dec. 6. “December's FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2017 will be a celebration of the best club football from around the world, and promises to showcase some of the most famous names in the sport, commented Ahmed Al Qubaisi, director marketing & communications, LOC. “Since tickets went on sale in June, we have seen an overwhelming demand and the LOC is committed to making the FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2017 accessible to all, so we encourage fans to book tickets whilst they are still available.” Al Qubaisi added: “90% of tickets to the semifinal and final are no longer available. The LOC are working with FIFA to confirm final allocations for the remaining 10%. There may be a release of tickets for fans to purchase in the next few weeks. Travel packages are also available to fans traveling from outside of the UAE. — SG