Yokohama-Ahmed Abd-Rabou: FIFA president Joseph Blatter said on Sunday that Ahli's performance in the Club World Cup set an example for the rest of the African teams on how to be a world-class team. "Despite finishing in sixth place last year, Ahli played like a world-class side who matched their opponents," Blatter told a press conference in Japan before the third-place tie between Ahli and Club America. Ahli became the first African team to clinch bronze in the global event after a classy double from Mohamed Abou-Treika earned them a thrilling 2-1 victory over Club America of Mexico. "Ahli improved because of playing at such high level and they will improve even more over the next years. I believe they can reach the final match one day," he said. "Several African teams will follow into Ahli's footsteps and we will make sure the tournament will be staged regularly to help improve football in less-powerful continents."
Ahli finished in third place Blatter also backed the format of the draw and said it is fair according to the level of the game in each continent. However, he said that the current format would be reconsidered if results in upcoming editions showed a notable improve in the game of underdogs. The Club World Cup is set to be played in Japan in December 2007 for the third successive year under the sponsorship of Japanese car manufacturers Toyota. Blatter said that the world football governing body will be considering offers from other confederations to host the tournament and will decide in April. "Toyota set a four-year bid to host the tournament but we will be looking into all offers," he said.
