Facts On Gulf & Football

Iran (IRN)Iran (IRN) General Information General Information • · Country: Iran · Country: Iran • · Country (official name): Jomhuri-Al-Eslami-Ye-Iran · Country (official name): Jomhuri-Al-Eslami-Ye-Iran • · Continent & Position: Asia (Middle East, State of Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz & · Continent & Position: Asia (Middle East, State of Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz &

State of Caspian Zone) State of Caspian Zone) • · Main Source of Economy: World's Third Highest Reserves of Crude Oil After Saudi · Main Source of Economy: World's Third Highest Reserves of Crude Oil After Saudi

Arabia & Russia, Petroleum & Natural Gas. Presently, Iran is having world's one of Arabia & Russia, Petroleum & Natural Gas. Presently, Iran is having world's one of the highest oil refining capacities & high investments (domestic & foreign) have been the highest oil refining capacities & high investments (domestic & foreign) have been made on ongoing constructions almost nation-wide (mainly Western, Southern Iran & made on ongoing constructions almost nation-wide (mainly Western, Southern Iran & on Persian Gulf) refineries & giant gas plants to become No.1 in the world. on Persian Gulf) refineries & giant gas plants to become No.1 in the world.

• · Capital: Teheran · Capital: Teheran • Geographic Information Geographic Information • · Surface area: 1,648,000 km² · Surface area: 1,648,000 km² • · Highest point: Kuh-e- Damavan 5,671 m. · Highest point: Kuh-e- Damavan 5,671 m. • · Neighbouring Countries: Iraq (West), Qatar (On Persian Gulf) & Afghanistan (on · Neighbouring Countries: Iraq (West), Qatar (On Persian Gulf) & Afghanistan (on

east) east) • . New Cities & Major Tourist Centre: A new upcoming vibrant business city is under-. New Cities & Major Tourist Centre: A new upcoming vibrant business city is under-

construction on "Persian Gulf". It's "Persian Gulf Sea City" beside Kish Free Zone. construction on "Persian Gulf". It's "Persian Gulf Sea City" beside Kish Free Zone. Kish is one of the world's best tourism islands where leisure & recreation are the last Kish is one of the world's best tourism islands where leisure & recreation are the last words. words.

• FIFA WORLD CUP™ APPEARANCES 3 (1978, 1998, 2006) FIFA WORLD CUP™ APPEARANCES 3 (1978, 1998, 2006) • CONTINENTAL TITLES Asian Nations Cup (1968, 1972, 1976) CONTINENTAL TITLES Asian Nations Cup (1968, 1972, 1976) • BEST RESULT FIFA Futsal World Cup Final (1992) BEST RESULT FIFA Futsal World Cup Final (1992)

Football in IranFootball in Iran• Iran rank among Asia's most prominent & premier football nations. Their successes include gold Iran rank among Asia's most prominent & premier football nations. Their successes include gold

medals at the Asian Games Football Tournament in 1998 and 2002. They are supreme masters medals at the Asian Games Football Tournament in 1998 and 2002. They are supreme masters of the game of futsal, having won successive confederation championships between 1999 and of the game of futsal, having won successive confederation championships between 1999 and 2002. It was therefore no surprise to see Iran as the only Asian team keeping abreast with the 2002. It was therefore no surprise to see Iran as the only Asian team keeping abreast with the world's best at the FIFA Futsal World Championship in Guatemala in 2000. Several players world's best at the FIFA Futsal World Championship in Guatemala in 2000. Several players switched to European clubs to gain more experience in the world of professional soccer, after the switched to European clubs to gain more experience in the world of professional soccer, after the 1998 FIFA World Cup - most of them to Germany. Ali Daei (Arminia Bielefeld, Bayern Munich and 1998 FIFA World Cup - most of them to Germany. Ali Daei (Arminia Bielefeld, Bayern Munich and Hertha BSC), M.Mahdi Mahdakvia (VfL Bochum and Hamburger SV), Ali Karim Bagheri (Arminia Hertha BSC), M.Mahdi Mahdakvia (VfL Bochum and Hamburger SV), Ali Karim Bagheri (Arminia Bielefeld, then Charlton Athletic in England), Vahid Hashem (VfL Bochum) and Khodadad Azizi Bielefeld, then Charlton Athletic in England), Vahid Hashem (VfL Bochum) and Khodadad Azizi (1. FC Cologne) have all helped to spread the reputation of Iranian football around the world. (1. FC Cologne) have all helped to spread the reputation of Iranian football around the world.

• Iran Govt. & National Iranian Oil Company has invested massive in development of football in Iran Govt. & National Iranian Oil Company has invested massive in development of football in Iran. The infrastructures of Professional football clubs are excellent and NIOC has contributed a Iran. The infrastructures of Professional football clubs are excellent and NIOC has contributed a part of its massive oil earnings in building up proper infrastructure of football in global standards. part of its massive oil earnings in building up proper infrastructure of football in global standards. But Iran must concentrate more on grass-root level of football, no doubt, Iran has top quality But Iran must concentrate more on grass-root level of football, no doubt, Iran has top quality professional players. professional players.

• Iran has appointed, world’s one of the best & costliest soccer technocrat’s of modern football, Mr. Iran has appointed, world’s one of the best & costliest soccer technocrat’s of modern football, Mr. Carlos Quieroz (ex-Portugal, ex- ManUtd & ex-Real Madrid) for its senior football team. He also Carlos Quieroz (ex-Portugal, ex- ManUtd & ex-Real Madrid) for its senior football team. He also pointed out that Iran govt. should take interest on young talents. They are fantastic. If properly pointed out that Iran govt. should take interest on young talents. They are fantastic. If properly groomed, in future, its not surprising for Iran to win FIFA World Cup. groomed, in future, its not surprising for Iran to win FIFA World Cup.

• Third Goal projectThird Goal project • The best artificial turf pitches, which was approved by the FIFA Goal Bureau on 22 October 2008, The best artificial turf pitches, which was approved by the FIFA Goal Bureau on 22 October 2008,

is a part of state of art National Football Academy that was built in Tehran under the country's is a part of state of art National Football Academy that was built in Tehran under the country's first Goal project. Thanks to the addition of an all-weather pitch, players of all ages will be able to first Goal project. Thanks to the addition of an all-weather pitch, players of all ages will be able to use the training centre all year round, which will also lead to the introduction of long-term training use the training centre all year round, which will also lead to the introduction of long-term training programmes. There will be another 15 NFA across the country in association with top Global programmes. There will be another 15 NFA across the country in association with top Global Clubs from Portugal, Spain & Italy. Clubs from Portugal, Spain & Italy.

Iraq (IRQ)Iraq (IRQ) General Information General Information

• · FIFA Trigramme: IRQ · FIFA Trigramme: IRQ

• · Country: Iraq · Country: Iraq

• · Country (official name): Al-Jomhuri-Al-Iraqiyah · Country (official name): Al-Jomhuri-Al-Iraqiyah

• · Continent & Position: Asia (Middle East & Persian Gulf) · Continent & Position: Asia (Middle East & Persian Gulf)

• · Capital: Baghdad · Capital: Baghdad

• Geographic Information Geographic Information

• · Surface area: 437,072 km² · Surface area: 437,072 km²

• · Highest point: Haji Ibrahim 3,608 m. · Highest point: Haji Ibrahim 3,608 m.

• · Neighbouring Countries: Iran & Kuwait · Neighbouring Countries: Iran & Kuwait

Football in Iraq:Football in Iraq:• Iraqi football has a long history and the game itself is extremely popular. The national Iraqi football has a long history and the game itself is extremely popular. The national

team has qualified for many continental championships, and even reached the Final team has qualified for many continental championships, and even reached the Final of the Asian Games football tournament. Iraq have also twice sent a representative XI of the Asian Games football tournament. Iraq have also twice sent a representative XI to compete in the final competitions of the FIFA World Youth Championship (1977 to compete in the final competitions of the FIFA World Youth Championship (1977 Tunisia; 1989 Saudi Arabia). In 2002, Iraq won the West Asian Championship, Tunisia; 1989 Saudi Arabia). In 2002, Iraq won the West Asian Championship, although the country was firmly in the grip of political turmoil. This triumph remains although the country was firmly in the grip of political turmoil. This triumph remains Iraqi football's greatest day to date. Countless Iraqi players have earned moves Iraqi football's greatest day to date. Countless Iraqi players have earned moves abroad, primarily to clubs in U.A.E, Iran & Qatar. The current President of the abroad, primarily to clubs in U.A.E, Iran & Qatar. The current President of the association, Hussain Saeed, was also one of the best players to have emerged from association, Hussain Saeed, was also one of the best players to have emerged from Iraq. However, the wars of the last 15 years have unfortunately set the country back Iraq. However, the wars of the last 15 years have unfortunately set the country back and reconstruction work will not be completed overnight. Having said that, football in and reconstruction work will not be completed overnight. Having said that, football in Iraq has never died. People always tried, whenever possible, to play matches in the Iraq has never died. People always tried, whenever possible, to play matches in the domestic and regional league championships. Against all odds the national teams domestic and regional league championships. Against all odds the national teams sensational runned in the Asian Cup reaching the quarter finals in China in July 2004 sensational runned in the Asian Cup reaching the quarter finals in China in July 2004 and the Olympic Games in Athens in August 2004 where they reached the medal and the Olympic Games in Athens in August 2004 where they reached the medal round and took the fourth place! People back home heralded such success stories as round and took the fourth place! People back home heralded such success stories as the first shotzs of recovery of Iraq football. the first shotzs of recovery of Iraq football.

Second and third Goal projectsSecond and third Goal projects • The ongoing lack of security in the capital, Bagdad, is holding up the completion and The ongoing lack of security in the capital, Bagdad, is holding up the completion and

opening of the headquarters and technical centre built under project 1. A new project opening of the headquarters and technical centre built under project 1. A new project in the more secure north of the country will provide a technical centre in Arbil with in the more secure north of the country will provide a technical centre in Arbil with seminar rooms and offices as well as accommodation for national team players using seminar rooms and offices as well as accommodation for national team players using the centre as a training camp. The plan approved by the Goal Bureau on 22 October the centre as a training camp. The plan approved by the Goal Bureau on 22 October 2008 has been divided into two phases. The second phase will consist of the laying of 2008 has been divided into two phases. The second phase will consist of the laying of an artificial turf pitch. an artificial turf pitch.

Qatar (QAT)Qatar (QAT)General Information General Information • · Country: Qatar · Country: Qatar • · Country (official name): Dawlat Qatar · Country (official name): Dawlat Qatar • · Continent & Position: Asia (Middle East & · Continent & Position: Asia (Middle East &

Persian Gulf State) Persian Gulf State) • · Capital: Doha · Capital: Doha Geographic Information Geographic Information • · Surface area: 11,437 km² · Surface area: 11,437 km² • · Highest point: Qurayn Aba al-Bawl 105 m. · Highest point: Qurayn Aba al-Bawl 105 m. • · Neighbouring Countries: Kuwait & Iran · Neighbouring Countries: Kuwait & Iran Goal Programme - Goal Programme - Qatar Football Association - Qatar Football Association -

20072007

Football in QatarFootball in Qatar • Football is the number one sport in Qatar by far. The objective of the Football is the number one sport in Qatar by far. The objective of the

national association has long been to gain major success at club and national association has long been to gain major success at club and international level. In 1992, the national team triumphed in the 11th Gulf international level. In 1992, the national team triumphed in the 11th Gulf Cup in Doha. The Olympic team have twice qualified for the Olympic Cup in Doha. The Olympic team have twice qualified for the Olympic Football Tournaments - in Los Angeles in 1984 and Barcelona in 1992. The Football Tournaments - in Los Angeles in 1984 and Barcelona in 1992. The U-20 team won the silver medal at the FIFA World Youth Championship U-20 team won the silver medal at the FIFA World Youth Championship Australia 1981, while the U-17s reached the final competition of the FIFA U-Australia 1981, while the U-17s reached the final competition of the FIFA U-17 World Championship in 1985, 1987, 1991, 1993, 1995, 1997 and 1999. 17 World Championship in 1985, 1987, 1991, 1993, 1995, 1997 and 1999. In 1995, the Qatar Football Association organised the FIFA World Youth In 1995, the Qatar Football Association organised the FIFA World Youth Championship in record time after the original hosts had been forced to Championship in record time after the original hosts had been forced to withdraw from staging the tournament at the last minute for logistical withdraw from staging the tournament at the last minute for logistical reasons. In 1991, Al-Sadd Sports Club won the 8th Gulf Cup for Clubs in reasons. In 1991, Al-Sadd Sports Club won the 8th Gulf Cup for Clubs in Doha. Although Qatari football is not particularly well known in Europe, four Doha. Although Qatari football is not particularly well known in Europe, four Qatari players are currently with European clubs. Qatari players are currently with European clubs.

The Goal ProjectThe Goal Project • On 1 May 2003, the Goal Bureau added Qatar to the list of nations to On 1 May 2003, the Goal Bureau added Qatar to the list of nations to

benefit from the Goal Programme. The project is currently in the preparation benefit from the Goal Programme. The project is currently in the preparation stage and is due to be presented at the next meeting of the Goal Bureau. stage and is due to be presented at the next meeting of the Goal Bureau. Funds from the FIFA Financial Assistance Programme have been used to Funds from the FIFA Financial Assistance Programme have been used to set up a youth development programme for young players of various ages. set up a youth development programme for young players of various ages. This scheme comprises organising training courses for coaches, bringing This scheme comprises organising training courses for coaches, bringing together the most promising players in each age group and providing the together the most promising players in each age group and providing the necessary equipment. TheQatar FA hopes that it will thus perpetuate its necessary equipment. TheQatar FA hopes that it will thus perpetuate its long tradition at youth level and help to build a strong national team for the long tradition at youth level and help to build a strong national team for the future. future.

Kuwait (KUW)Kuwait (KUW)::General Information General Information • · Country: Kuwait · Country: Kuwait Country (official name): Dawlat al Kuwayt Country (official name): Dawlat al Kuwayt • · Continent & Position: Asia (Middle East · Continent & Position: Asia (Middle East

& Persian Gulf) & Persian Gulf) • · Capital: Kuwait City · Capital: Kuwait City • Geographic Information Geographic Information • · Surface area: 17,820 km² · Surface area: 17,820 km² • · Highest point: 306 m. · Highest point: 306 m. • · Neighbouring Countries: Qatar & Iraq · Neighbouring Countries: Qatar & Iraq FIFA WORLD CUP™ APPEARANCES 1(1982)FIFA WORLD CUP™ APPEARANCES 1(1982)

Football in KuwaitFootball in Kuwait • Kuwait is one of the most successful football nations in the Middle East, Kuwait is one of the most successful football nations in the Middle East,

having won the Asian Cup once in 1980 and finished second in 1998 and having won the Asian Cup once in 1980 and finished second in 1998 and third in 1994. On top of that, the Kuwaitis have triumphed on nine third in 1994. On top of that, the Kuwaitis have triumphed on nine occasions in the Gulf Cup (a high-ranking tournament in the region), occasions in the Gulf Cup (a high-ranking tournament in the region), qualified for the 1982 FIFA World Cup? finals in Spain, and taken part in qualified for the 1982 FIFA World Cup? finals in Spain, and taken part in three Olympic Football Tournaments (in Moscow in 1980, Barcelona in three Olympic Football Tournaments (in Moscow in 1980, Barcelona in 1992, and Sydney in 2000). Many talented footballers have emerged from 1992, and Sydney in 2000). Many talented footballers have emerged from Kuwait. The most famous player in the 1980s was Jassem Yaquob, who Kuwait. The most famous player in the 1980s was Jassem Yaquob, who ranked among the most prolific goalscorers on the Arabian peninsula. In ranked among the most prolific goalscorers on the Arabian peninsula. In later years, first Al-Houwaidi, Al-Buloushi and Tarabilsi and more recently later years, first Al-Houwaidi, Al-Buloushi and Tarabilsi and more recently Bashar Abdullah, Al-Habashi, Mubarak and Al-Shammari have thrilled Bashar Abdullah, Al-Habashi, Mubarak and Al-Shammari have thrilled Kuwait's football-mad youth with their performances in the professional Kuwait's football-mad youth with their performances in the professional leagues of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Iran and the United Arab Emirates. leagues of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Iran and the United Arab Emirates. Although Kuwaiti football's success on the international stage has not Although Kuwaiti football's success on the international stage has not been repeated in recent times, it is flourishing on the domestic scene, been repeated in recent times, it is flourishing on the domestic scene, with the Premier League, Emir's Cup, Crown Prince Cup and WAFF Cup with the Premier League, Emir's Cup, Crown Prince Cup and WAFF Cup keeping up the level of interest in the game. keeping up the level of interest in the game.

The Goal projectThe Goal project • On 22 October 2008 the Goal Bureau gave the green light to the On 22 October 2008 the Goal Bureau gave the green light to the

construction of a mini-stadium for 1,800 spectators around the existing construction of a mini-stadium for 1,800 spectators around the existing playing surface on a plot of land adjacent to the headquarters of the playing surface on a plot of land adjacent to the headquarters of the Kuwaiti FA. These facilities, which constitute a logical expansion of the Kuwaiti FA. These facilities, which constitute a logical expansion of the Kuwaiti FA's infrastructure, will be used by both youth players and the Kuwaiti FA's infrastructure, will be used by both youth players and the national team. The stadium is also intended to host youth festivals. national team. The stadium is also intended to host youth festivals.

United Arab Emirates (UAE):United Arab Emirates (UAE): General Information General Information • · FIFA Trigramme: UAE · FIFA Trigramme: UAE • · Country: United Arab Emirates · Country: United Arab Emirates • · Country (official name): Al Imarat al Arabiyah al · Country (official name): Al Imarat al Arabiyah al

Muttahidah Muttahidah • · Continent: Asia · Continent: Asia • · Capital: Abu Dhabi · Capital: Abu Dhabi Geographic Information Geographic Information • · Surface area: 82,880 km² · Surface area: 82,880 km² • · Highest point: Jabal Yibir 1,527 m. · Highest point: Jabal Yibir 1,527 m. • · Neighbouring Countries: Oman, Saudi Arabia · Neighbouring Countries: Oman, Saudi Arabia Goal Programme - Goal Programme - United Arab Emirates Football United Arab Emirates Football

Association - 2003 Association - 2003

Football in the United Arab EmiratesFootball in the United Arab Emirates • Football is not the overriding sport in the UAE as it has to Football is not the overriding sport in the UAE as it has to

share the limelight with horse and camel racing and share the limelight with horse and camel racing and falconry. But the UAE still make their mark on many final falconry. But the UAE still make their mark on many final competitions in various age categories with impressive competitions in various age categories with impressive results, such as runners-up in the Asian Cup on home results, such as runners-up in the Asian Cup on home ground in 1996. The UAE played in the FIFA World Cup? in ground in 1996. The UAE played in the FIFA World Cup? in Italy in 1990 and the Olympic Football Tournament in Italy in 1990 and the Olympic Football Tournament in Seoul in 1988. Their first division was established in 1974. Seoul in 1988. Their first division was established in 1974. The clubs, Al-Ahly and Al-Ain, are usually to be found near The clubs, Al-Ahly and Al-Ain, are usually to be found near the top of the table at the end of the season. the top of the table at the end of the season.

Goal project Goal project • On 21 March 2007, the Goal Bureau approved the On 21 March 2007, the Goal Bureau approved the

construction of two floodlit natural turf pitches and a futsal construction of two floodlit natural turf pitches and a futsal hall. This constitutes Goal and the FIFA Financial hall. This constitutes Goal and the FIFA Financial Assistance Programme's contribution to a major project in Assistance Programme's contribution to a major project in Dubai, which the association is funding itself with support Dubai, which the association is funding itself with support from the city authorities. The association's headquarters, a from the city authorities. The association's headquarters, a clubhouse and a building with overnight accommodation clubhouse and a building with overnight accommodation for players will be built at an impressive location, for players will be built at an impressive location, providing national team members with optimum training providing national team members with optimum training conditions.conditions.

Oman (OMA):Oman (OMA): General Information General Information • · Country: Oman · Country: Oman • · Country (official name): Saltanat Uman · Country (official name): Saltanat Uman • · Continent & Position: Asia (Middle East, · Continent & Position: Asia (Middle East,

Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman & Strait of Hormuz) Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman & Strait of Hormuz) • · Capital: Muscat · Capital: Muscat Geographic Information Geographic Information • · Surface area: 212,460 km² · Surface area: 212,460 km² • · Highest point: Jabal al-Akhdar 3,075 m. · Highest point: Jabal al-Akhdar 3,075 m. • · Neighbouring Countries: U.A.E, Saudi Arabia · Neighbouring Countries: U.A.E, Saudi Arabia Goal Programme - Goal Programme - Oman Football Association - Oman Football Association -

2003 2003

Football in OmanFootball in Oman • The Sultanate of Oman is passionate about football and has a The Sultanate of Oman is passionate about football and has a

noteworthy track record at youth level. They have won the noteworthy track record at youth level. They have won the Asian U-17 Championship twice (in 1996 and 2000) and Asian U-17 Championship twice (in 1996 and 2000) and qualified for the final round of the FIFA U-17 World qualified for the final round of the FIFA U-17 World Championship three times (Ecuador in 1995, Egypt in 1997 Championship three times (Ecuador in 1995, Egypt in 1997 and Trinidad & Tobago in 2001). In Ecuador, they even and Trinidad & Tobago in 2001). In Ecuador, they even reached the semi-finals. The national association has opened reached the semi-finals. The national association has opened 25 academies using funds from the Financial Assistance 25 academies using funds from the Financial Assistance Programme. The best of these institutions took part in the first Programme. The best of these institutions took part in the first and second Asian Festivals in Iran in 2002 and Oman in 2003. and second Asian Festivals in Iran in 2002 and Oman in 2003. Ali Habsi is currently Oman's best known player. He plays for Ali Habsi is currently Oman's best known player. He plays for Bolton Wanderers (England). Bolton Wanderers (England).

First Goal projectFirst Goal project • The Goal Bureau was able to successfully deliver on one of the The Goal Bureau was able to successfully deliver on one of the

first requests that it received in May 2003, when it approved first requests that it received in May 2003, when it approved an artificial turf pitch for the Oman Football Association. At an artificial turf pitch for the Oman Football Association. At the time of the request, the association had envisaged having a the time of the request, the association had envisaged having a technical centre and association headquarters under the same technical centre and association headquarters under the same roof. However, the situation changed over the intervening roof. However, the situation changed over the intervening period and the association's plans were consolidated in a period and the association's plans were consolidated in a satisfactory manner. By June 2009, the association wished for satisfactory manner. By June 2009, the association wished for no more than an artificial pitch to guarantee all-year-round no more than an artificial pitch to guarantee all-year-round training conditions that will benefit young players in training conditions that will benefit young players in particular. particular.

Bahrain (BHR):Bahrain (BHR): General Information General Information • · Country: Bahrain · Country: Bahrain • · Country (official name): Dawlat al Bahrayn · Country (official name): Dawlat al Bahrayn • · Continent & Position: Asia (Middle East Persian Gulf · Continent & Position: Asia (Middle East Persian Gulf

State) State) • · Capital: Manama · Capital: Manama Geographic Information Geographic Information • · Surface area: 665 km² · Surface area: 665 km² • · Highest point: Jabal ad Dukhan 122 m. · Highest point: Jabal ad Dukhan 122 m. • · Neighbouring Countries: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia · Neighbouring Countries: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Goal Programme - Bahrain Football Association - 2008 Goal Programme - Bahrain Football Association - 2008

Football in BahrainFootball in Bahrain • Football is the leading sport in Bahrain, who hit the heights in 2002 as Football is the leading sport in Bahrain, who hit the heights in 2002 as

runners-up in the Arab Cup and in 1989 when they came fourth in the runners-up in the Arab Cup and in 1989 when they came fourth in the FIFA U-17 World Championship in Scotland. The national team then FIFA U-17 World Championship in Scotland. The national team then reached the second round of the prelimiycompetition for the 2002 FIFA reached the second round of the prelimiycompetition for the 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan? for the first time. In the 1990s, Humood Sultan World Cup Korea/Japan? for the first time. In the 1990s, Humood Sultan was voted the best player in the region and Mohamed Jaffar the best was voted the best player in the region and Mohamed Jaffar the best forward. Mohamed Hussain, who played for top Saudi Arabian football forward. Mohamed Hussain, who played for top Saudi Arabian football clubs for many years, is also a household name. Most of the teams and clubs for many years, is also a household name. Most of the teams and tournaments are sponsored by a marketing group that acts as a consultant tournaments are sponsored by a marketing group that acts as a consultant to the national association. to the national association.

Goal Football ProjectGoal Football Project • The establishment of the Goal Football project series marks a new chapter The establishment of the Goal Football project series marks a new chapter

in the history of the Goal Programme: for the first time, funds from this in the history of the Goal Programme: for the first time, funds from this source will be used to specifically assist promising young players. In the source will be used to specifically assist promising young players. In the case of Bahrain, 29 players (of which four are goalkeepers) will be trained case of Bahrain, 29 players (of which four are goalkeepers) will be trained by a full-time coach five times a week and in their school holidays. The by a full-time coach five times a week and in their school holidays. The coach will be supported by a part-time assistant coach, goalkeeping coach coach will be supported by a part-time assistant coach, goalkeeping coach and fitness coach. Promising young players will be selected for inclusion and fitness coach. Promising young players will be selected for inclusion in this training programme on an annual basis. The objective of the in this training programme on an annual basis. The objective of the training programme is for the group to represent Bahrain at U-16 level for training programme is for the group to represent Bahrain at U-16 level for the first time in 2010 and at U-17 level in 2011, in such a way that the the first time in 2010 and at U-17 level in 2011, in such a way that the continual development of the junior and senior national teams is continual development of the junior and senior national teams is guaranteed. These activities will make full use of the infrastructure of the guaranteed. These activities will make full use of the infrastructure of the technical centre built with funding from the Goal Programme. technical centre built with funding from the Goal Programme.

Saudi Arabia (KSA):Saudi Arabia (KSA): General Information General Information • · Country: Saudi Arabia · Country: Saudi Arabia • · Country (official name): Al Mamlakah al · Country (official name): Al Mamlakah al

Arabiyah as Sa'udiyah Arabiyah as Sa'udiyah • · Continent: Asia (Middle East & Persian Gulf ) · Continent: Asia (Middle East & Persian Gulf ) • · Capital: Riyadh · Capital: Riyadh Geographic Information Geographic Information • · Surface area: 2,240,000 km² · Surface area: 2,240,000 km² • · Highest point: Jabal al Hijaz 3,133 m. · Highest point: Jabal al Hijaz 3,133 m. • · Neighbouring Countries: Bahrain, Yemen, U.A.E · Neighbouring Countries: Bahrain, Yemen, U.A.E FIFA WORLD CUP™ APPEARANCES 4 (1994, 1998, FIFA WORLD CUP™ APPEARANCES 4 (1994, 1998,

2002, 2006)2002, 2006)

Contact:Contact:

SumanSumane: sport.management@live.ine: sport.management@live.ine: suman.kalyan.dutta@hotmail.come: suman.kalyan.dutta@hotmail.comw:http://www.linkedin.com/in/sumankalyandutta2010w:http://www.linkedin.com/in/sumankalyandutta2010w:w:http://sumandutta.sports.officelive.comhttp://sumandutta.sports.officelive.com

Indo-Gulf Soccer Venture…Indo-Gulf Soccer Venture…““bridging two regions for the good of the bridging two regions for the good of the

game”game”