Hany Abo Rida, Chairman of the Egyptian Football Association and First Vice President of the Arab Football Union, revealed the behind-the-scenes developments within the Arab Football Union aimed at determining the appropriate timing and format for upcoming Arab tournaments, most notably the Arab Club Championship.
Speaking on the sidelines of the Arab Football Union meetings, Abo Rida stated that the Arab Club Championship was one of the key topics discussed during the meeting, confirming a desire to continue holding the tournament despite the difficulty in finding a suitable date due to the congestion of the international and continental football calendars.
He added: "The Arab Football Union meeting was productive, and it included discussions on the union's upcoming tournaments, including the organization of the Arab Club Championship."
He continued: "The organization of the Arab Club Championship was discussed, but the calendar is very difficult during this period, both for national teams and clubs, due to its congestion."
Abo Rida explained that the numerous commitments of clubs and national teams make determining the tournament date difficult, especially with the overlap of many international and continental obligations. He noted that the Arab Football Union is studying available solutions before making a final decision regarding the tournament's schedule and format.
The First Vice President of the Arab Football Union indicated that the goal for the coming period is to reach a formula that allows Arab tournaments to be held without affecting the commitments of clubs and national teams.
He said: "We are trying to find solutions and an optimal method for holding our tournaments, in coordination with the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA)."
The Arab Football Union continues to study available alternatives for holding upcoming tournaments in line with the global football calendar, amid coordination with FIFA and relevant authorities, paving the way for finalizing the vision and competition dates.
The issue of the Arab Club Championship remains on the table at the Arab Football Union, awaiting agreement on the appropriate date and format for its organization, given the congestion of club and national team competition schedules during the current period.