Abu Dhabi has a football culture past and is Fifa’s future centre

Abu Dhabi is clearly seen by the governing body as ‘a Fifa heartland’, writes Miguel Delaney, and president Gianni Infantino meanwhile harbours visions of bringing a full World Cup to the region

Club World Cup match between Monterrey v Al Jazira plays out in Abu Dhabi (Reuters)

While Abu Dhabi has never been more visible in football, the game itself isn’t all that visible in Abu Dhabi. You could certainly walk around the city during the day without realising it is hosting the Club World Cup for the fifth time.

The only giveaways were the occasional banners, and the Palmeiras fans.

They will no doubt fill the Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium when they take on Chelsea for the final on Saturday, but that will make some difference from Wednesday’s semi-final.