Dubai: The 22nd edition of the World Cup football tournament, to be held in the Qatari capital of Doha from November 20 to December 18, has fired passion the world over and Dubai too has been caught up in the frenzy.

As the soccer buffs eagerly wait for the first World Cup ever to be held in the Arab world, Malayala Manorama will organise a football carnival at the Etisalat Academy grounds here on November 6. As many as 16 teams will vie for honours in the day-long event which will be played in a knockout format. A World Cup Fan Zone atmosphere will be recreated at the park, which will be filled with cuisine, entertainment, live music and dance shows. It promises fun for everyone, from adults to children. Entry to the carnival will be free.

The football tournament will feature former national and state-level players apart from top stars from Kerala's Sevens football leagues. Only the teams registered with the Kerala Expatriate Football Association (KEFA) are eligible to take part in the tournament. As many as 30 teams have so far confirmed participation. The final 16 teams that will play the knockout phase will be picked from them.

Commentator Jabir Manjeri, who adds an extra bit of flavour and thrill to Malabar's iconic Sevens football tournaments, will be carrying on the fascinating task of relaying the narrative on the field. He will be accompanied by celebrity commentator Shaiju Damodaran.

Two celebrity teams, led by yesteryear stars I M Vijayan and Jo Paul Ancheri, will also be seen in action. Eminent persons from Dubai's social and cultural spheres will be part of the teams.

I M Vijayan and Jo Paul Ancheri
I M Vijayan and Jo Paul Ancheri. File photos

The gala event will be extensively covered by Malayala Manorama daily, Manorama News, Mazhavil Manorama, Manorama Online and Manorama Max. The other major partners are IAS Media, KEFA and Hit FM.

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