ABU DHABI: The Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC) and the Ministry of Presidential Affairs are launching the Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Football Cup Championship next Wednesday in Abu Dhabi.

Eight teams will engage in competitions between 18 July-7 August in the indoor stadium at the Al Rawdha Dome facing the Zayed Sports City, according to the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Presidential Affairs Rashid Al Ameri and the Secretary General of ADSC Mohammad Ibrahim Al-Mahmoud in a press conference at ADSC.

The eight participating teams are: the Office of the Deputy Minister of Presidential Affairs, the Office of the Secretary General of the Ministry, Assisting Services Sector, Corporation Development Department, National Centre of Meteorology and Seismology (NCMS), National Centre of Documents and Research, the Zayed Mosque and Abu Dhabi Judicial Department.

Each team will field seven players including a goalkeeper with five reserve players at the four matches to be held every week on Mondays and Tuesdays and officiated by referees appointed by the UAE Football Association. The duration of the matches was set at 40 minutes.

In the final rounds, if a match ends in a tie then an extra-time of 14 minutes divided into two halves will be played, to be followed by a shoot-out if necessary. Cash prizes and trophies will be awarded to the top three teams with special prizes for the best players, best goalkeeper, most valuable player and the top scorer.

Al-Ameri expressed appreciation of the role ADSC plays under the chairmanship of H.H Sheikh Hazza Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, National Security Advisor. He also praised the continuous support extended by H.H Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan to sports activities at the Ministry.

The official described as fruitful the partnership between the Ministry and ADSC which is aimed at achieving their common goals and bolster cooperation.

For his part, Al-Mahmoud said he was proud to be part of the tournament which carries the name of Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan. "I am sure that the tournament will be a great success, judging by the great emphasis which the officials give to it. We are happy to be part of this tournament." WAM/MMYS