UAE and Israeli Football Associations to sign new deal

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The UAE Football Association will sign a cooperation agreement with the Israeli Football Association on Monday to "support the course of the game in the two countries".

Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, President of the UAEFA, Gianni Infantino, President of FIFA, and Oren Hasson, President of the Israeli FA, will attend.

In a statement, UAEFA said the deal will include setting up friendly matches for national teams and clubs, and joint workshops for the federations’ technical and administrative members.

It also aims to "enhance cooperation between the two countries in all sectors, including the sports" and is a "continuation of the UAE Football Association's efforts to strengthen relations with various football federations in the world".

A series of coordination meetings have already been held with the Israeli side and several arrangements will be worked out during the coming weeks, leading to reciprocal visits and other initiatives between the Associations.

Mohammed Abdullah Hazzam Al Dhaheri, General Secretary of the UAEFA, said: "This agreement comes in activation of the peace treaty that was signed between the United Arab Emirates and Israel, as we were keen in the Football Association to coordinate with the Israeli Federation regarding this agreement. It is unique in the Middle East and carries a message of peace from the "land of peace", and we are confident that its outcome will be very positive and will serve both sides."

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