The long-mooted switch will see Arabian Gulf League champions Al Ahli and President’s Cup holders Al Jazira meet at the 30,000 capacity Air Defence Stadium on September 13.
The Egyptian capital beat bids from Munich and London, with a Dh2 million fee being paid by marketing agency Presentation Sports to organising body the Pro League Committee which will cover operational costs and acquire them the broadcasting rights. The development is the latest phase in the strengthening of ties between the two Arabic countries.
Al Ain’s sold-out Hazza bin Zayed Stadium put on last October’s Egyptian Super Cup-meeting bet-ween rivals Al Ahly and Zamalek.
“The UAE has reached a turning point in our sporting history by holding the Arabian Gulf Super Cup outside of the country for the first time since its inception in 2008,” said PLC chairman Abdullah Nas-ser Al Junaibi during a press conference in Abu Dhabi. “Cairo is known for its historic glory and the goodness of its people. All possibilities of success are available there.”
Ticket prices and other issues surrounding the match will be announced at a press conference on September 1 in Cairo.
The choice of Egypt has raised eyebrows because of ongoing security issues, which see a stadium ban for domestic matches. This would not affect the AGSC clash.
The destination also breaks with the recent successful precedent set by Saudi Arabia, for whom their Super Cup will be held in London for the second-successive year today. PLC CEO Suhail Al Areefi insisted feasibility studies have proven the worth of the choice.
He said: “We have not sacrificed anything by holding the match in Cairo. According to our feasibility studies, holding the Super Cup match there will grant us many gains and advantages which are far better than any European country.”
Ahli CEO Ahmed Khalifa reiterated the vital role Egypt has played in forming his club’s identity.
He said: “Our first visit to Egypt came 46 years ago. I think that name Al Ahli was in fact taken after Egypt’s Al Ahly.”
For Jazira executive director Ayed Mabkhout, he was confident the match would boost the image of UAE football.
He said: “We in Jazira and Ahli will put on a match which justifies the name and reputation of UAE football.”