Sparky’s Column

back to league action

Cup's are proving popular in Abu Dhabi this year, the Premier League trophy has been doing the rounds in the capital and the Presidents Cup will reside in Abu Dhabi this season. The semifinals ended a torrid time for Al Wasl as they were knocked out of two cups in the space of 7 days. The result means Champions Al Wadha can put a silver lining on a season that has delivered precious little in the league. Al Jazira's stroll to a 4-1 victory over Al Shabab means yet another final. They could end their wait for a trophy with a glut of silverware, like a bus you wait an age for one and then three show up at once. the samba influence is worth noting both the semifinals had all the winners goals scored by Brazilians

The AFC gathered twelve CEO's from the various leagues around Asia in Bangkok on the 19th March. Chaired by potential future FIFA President Mohamed Bin Hamman the meeting was the first time that the leagues had gathered round one table to swap ideas and discuss the future of club football on the continent. Bin Hamman called it unprecedented and an event that wouldn't have been possible two years ago. I personally think as the AFC chairperson pushes for the FIFA presidency it will serve to improve the standards across Asian football as he aims to prove his credentials for the top job.

We are back to league action this week in the Pro League with a dress rehearsal of the Presidents Cup final. The Abu Dhabi derby is special as it is only two teams in the capital. Al Jazira will be keen to push onto the title Al Wadha may well have one eye on the Cup final and may have the edge in motivating themselves for this match. Bani Yas will look to keep the pressure on the leaders when they face a deflated Al Wasl.

The scramble at the bottom of the table is heating up. Realistically one of Al Ain, Dubai and Al Dhafra are the teams who will join Kalba in the second division. Current form suggests Duabi club will be the team confident of their ability to survive. They have come from nowhere to win games when they looked dead and buried. The problems keep piling up for Al Ain the fixture congestion has not been eased with the postponement of their trip to Japan. It is almost unthinkable that they would go down but football doesn't consider a clubs history in relegation battles. The middle of May could be key as Al Dhafra face Al Ain and a week later Dubai come up against Al Dhafra. I get the feeling it will go down to the wire and the final drop spot could be decided on a hot night in June.