Stadiums to have family sections

The President of the Saudi football Ittihad federation, Ahmed Eid, recently confirmed in a statement published in a local newspaper that the federation is planning to create a separate section for women and families in new stadiums so they can attend football matches.
During a meeting at King Abdulaziz University, Eid said the first separate section for women and families would be built under the Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Stadium project in Jeddah.
He said setting up a separate family section would increase the number of football attendees to 32,000. According to the Saudi press agency, there will be a 15-percent increase in capacity at the King Abdullah City stadium, which will be completed in 2014 with a family section.
Sultan Al Bilawi, the FIFA players agent, confirmed the new decision, adding: “This is a great step, which has been in the making for a long time and will allow a greater number of football fans that had previously been denied access to the matches.”
Talat Abu Shareeh, football secretary at the Ittihad Club in Jeddah, also welcomed the news, indicating that the issue had been under review at all levels in local football clubs.
“We have warmly welcomed the news. There should be no obstacle to families and women watching games; they have a right as well. There are many children whose fathers have passed away or who are simply not with their families. They should not be denied the pleasure of watching football matches. With this decision, children can enter the stadiums with their mothers and sisters and share their passion for the game,” he added.
There will also be a separate information desk and booth for female photographers and journalists who wish to cover the games.
Arab News tried to contact Ahmed Eid to no avail.