FIFA President hails 'fantastic' Club World Cup

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has praised Abu Dhabi for the "fantastic" hosting of the FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2021 at the Mohammed Bin Zayed and Al Nahyan Stadiums.

The 18th edition of the tournament, and the fifth taking place on UAE soil since 2009, came to a thrilling conclusion last Saturday night, as English side Chelsea became world champions for the first time by beating Brazilian outfit Palmeiras 2-1 in extra-time.

The dramatic showpiece that saw Chelsea's Kai Havertz score the winner was played out in front of 32,871 fans at the Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium. 

It made for a fitting finale after 10 thrilling days of football in the UAE capital, which saw more than 135,000 fans from across the world attend the tournament's eight matches.

Hailing the UAE for delivering a hugely successful event, Infantino said, "I think that it has been a fantastic event here in Abu Dhabi. There has been great organisation and we have loved Abu Dhabi for many years already, so I must thank Abu Dhabi Sports Council. We have seen exciting matches, fantastic fans coming from all over the world, from Brazil, from Egypt, from Saudi Arabia... we love it!"

He added, "I have witnessed the health protocols being respected and adhered to in accordance to the legislation of the country and everything went smoothly. From the teams to the referees to the officials, the whole tournament organisation was done putting health first, while respecting the teams and the football as well."

#FIFA hails 'fantastic' Abu Dhabi organisation of FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2021.#WamNews https://t.co/kCjRF1Guq0 pic.twitter.com/8JyB5slZDS

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