Top European football clubs invited to Dubai meeting

Senior figures at some of Europe's biggest and best football clubs have been invited to attend a meeting in Dubai next week.Leaders of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) are keen to secure new investment to help the I-League gain more stature in the global game.They believe that Dubai is the perfect place to hold a gathering of some of the most influential people in the sport and this will take place on March 31st.It is thought that AIFF chiefs have contacted Manchester United, Bayern Munich and Barcelona about the event, but it remains to be seen how many of these clubs will send representatives.Speaking to The PTI, a top AIFF official remarked: "We have written to them, including the usual big names, inviting them to attend the meeting."They can either tie up with a top club who can provide them technical assistance or enter as a standalone entity."Dubai is building a strong reputation for itself in football and its own league is steadily starting to become more popular.Players like former Borussia Dortmund star Mohammed Zidan, ex-Sunderland striker Asamoah Gyan and Portuguese international Ricardo Quaresma have all signed for UAE-based teams in the past few years and some famous managers have also joined clubs in the Pro League.Former England coach Sven Goran Eriksson recently became the technical director of Dubai's Al Nasr, while Diego Maradona - who led Argentina to the 2010 Fifa World Cup in South Africa - had a spell in charge of Al Wasl.With plenty of investment pouring into Middle Eastern sport, it is hardly surprising that footballers are considering moving to Dubai.After all, the city has everything that a wealthy young sports star could possibly need. With beautiful beaches, gorgeous weather, a plethora of luxury apartments and villas, not to mention the multitude of gourmet restaurants, designer boutiques and massive shops, the emirate is clearly paradise for footballers and their wives/girlfriends.