Dubai : 4 more days for the excitement of the children who have won the hearts of expatriates with the power of football. Match order of sevens tournament for Malayala Manorama Cup was decided by draw. Etisalat Football Academy’s ground will be the venue for the Manorama Football Carnival where 16 teams will line up.
The match is in collaboration with Kerala Expatriate Football Association Kefa. Indian football stalwart Anas Edathodika led the jersey release and decided the order of the match. Managers of 16 teams participated in the draw. The highest prize money in the history of sevens football awaits the winners of the Manorama Football Carnival.
The first prize is Dh15,000 (Rs 3.38 lakh). Prize money is Dh10,000 for second place, Dh5000 for third place and Dh3000 for fourth place. A total cash prize of 35,000 dirhams (Rs 7.8 lakh) is being offered.
Knockout matches will start at 8.30 am. Quarters, semis and finals from 3 pm onwards. ‘Brazil and Argentina’ teams will meet in the celebrity football tournament at 6 pm. Indian football legends IM Vijayan and Joe Paul Ancheri will lead the teams in the celebrity match.
Argentina is led by IM Vijayan and Brazil by Joe Paul Ancheri. Actor Kailash, actress Naila Usha, producer Jolly Joseph, Hit FM radio anchors, and Dubai’s heartthrobs will be part of the celebrity teams.
The football carnival is made a reality by Malayala Manorama, Manorama News, Mazhavil Manorama, Manorama Online, Manorama Max and IAS Media. Hit FM 96.7 will bring the carnival specials.
Health Partner Medior Hospital, Hydrating Partner Mai Dubai, Ice Cream Partner Igloo. Malayalam Manorama Chief Reporter Mintu P. Jacob, Hit FM Content Director Mithun Ramesh, Kefa President Jafar Oravankara, General Secretary Naushad Ali, Treasurer Baiju Jafar, Vice President Anil Kumar, Adam Ali, Manorama News Correspondent Deepa Kelat, Manorama Online Senior Reporter Sadiq Kavil, Tournament Convener Mohammad Yasil, Yusuf Madappan. and preached.