JEDDAH, 29 November 2005 — Al Ittihad club received last night the official invitation from the FIFA President Joseph Blatter to join the best six continents clubs in Japan and vie for the FIFA Club World Championship. Ittihad qualified after winning the Asian Championship last month.
The official invitation was handed over to Ittihad President Mansour Al-Balawi last night by John Schumacher, of FIFA’s media department communication division, at the Al Ittihad club during the unveiling of the FIFA Club World Championship trophy at the club.
On behalf of FIFA’s president, Schumacher congratulated Ittihad for winning the Asian Cup and in the process for qualifying for the FIFA Club World Championship. FIFA’s media day at Al-Ittihad club witnessed the attendance of Al-Balawi, Head of Youth and Welfare Office in Jeddah Saleh Al-Daiji, Ittihad’s Romanian coach Anghel Iordanescu, Ittihad striker Mohammed Kallon and captain Mohammed Nur and a large number of Ittihad supporters.
Al-Balawi welcomed the FIFA representatives and assured that the Saudi club will give its best performance in Japan. He said: “We are hoping that we will be great representatives of Saudi football in Japan by competing with the best. And this will enable us to return to Saudi Arabia with the FIFA Cup. Taking part in this championship is probably one of the greatest moments for us, and I, the club and the fans will cherish it. Let us play good football while also enjoying ourselves.”
Iordanescu, who is participating as head coach in the championship for the second time, confirmed the challenge waiting for his players, “I am sure with such great players the team will be up to the challenge. They will give their best performance and have a chance of securing the trophy for their country Saudi Arabia,” he said.
He thanked Al-Balawi, the players, Saudi media and Ittihad fans for their enthusiasm and support.
Ittihad international player and top scorer in Asia, Mohammed Kallon said: “It is a great honor to play with such a great team and I am proud to be a part of it.”
The representative of Saudi Football Federation Al-Daiji assured Ittihad all the support from the presidency.
He said: “Ittihad is not only representing itself as a club but also representing Saudi Arabia and we are ready to provide all possible support. We hope Ittihad will perform well and bring home the trophy.”
Schumacher delivered the message of FIFA’s president to Al-Ittihad and presented the official trophy, the gleaming new Toyota Cup.
In their opening fixture, Ittihad will face African champions Al-Ahli of Egypt and the winner will clash with Brazilian champions Sao Paulo.
