Members of the team that represented the UAE in its only FIFA World Cup appearance in 1990 are the latest to join the list of legends taking part in the Emirates Airline Dubai Football 7s from March 11-13.
The likes of Abdelrahman Mohamed Abdullah and Adnan Al Talyani will be back in action as they take on teams of legends from AC Milan, Liverpool, Arsenal and other top European teams during the three-day tournament.
The UAE legends players already confirmed are Abdullah Sultan, Abdelrahman Mohamed Abdullah, Fahad Khamees, Adnan Al Talyani, Hassan Mohamed, Nasir Khamees, Bakhit Saad Mubarak, news agency WAM reported.
“The Emirates Airline Dubai Football 7s is something truly unique and we are really looking forward to playing together as a team again in front of a home crowd,” said Abdelrahman Mohamed Abdullah, who captained the 1990 side and is now a football analyst on the Orbit Showtime Network.
“What makes it even more special is the fact that so many former greats will be involved in a tournament that is also open to young children, dreaming of one day playing at that same level,” added Al Talyani, who represented the UAE a record 164 times and is still its highest goal scorer.
Ahmed Khoory, senior vice president, Commercial Operations, GCC, ME and Iran, Emirates Airline said: “It is wonderful news that the UAE team that made history in qualifying for the 1990 FIFA World Cup will be a part of the first ever Emirates Airline Dubai Football 7s.”
Last month, it was announced that World Cup legends Paolo Maldini, Alessandro Costacurta and Franco Baresi will be part of an AC Milan team taking part.
Paolo Di Canio, who also starred for West Ham United in the English Premier League, will also be part of their side for the Emirates-sponsored competition.
