November 8 – The Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) have unveiled Haddaf, the official tournament mascot for next month’s FIFA Club World Cup Saudi 2023 taking place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Modelled after a Saudi Arabian sand cat native to the vast deserts belonging to the tournament hosts, the SAFF say that Haddaf “epitomises the competitive spirit of football and reflects the football passion shared by Saudis the length and breadth of the Kingdom”.
Haddaf was officially launched at a pre-tournament fan roadshow in Jeddah’s historic Al Balad region on Monday and will be a mainstay in and around the city both in the build-up to and during next month’s competition.
Starting on December 12, the FIFA Club World Cup Saudi Arabia 2023 brings together the champions from six continental federations for a ten-day competition in Jeddah.
Qualified teams include UEFA Champions League winners Manchester City, Copa Libertadores champions Fluminense, and the reigning Saudi Arabian league winners, Al-Ittihad.
SAFF have urged fans to keep their eyes peeled for Haddaf around Jeddah – and to stay tuned to SAFF’s official X, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn channels for details of Meet & Greets with the mascot ahead of the tournament.
The first two rounds of ticket sales for the tournament have already been completed, with a third and final round set to begin later this month.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1734947894labto1734947894ofdlr1734947894owedi1734947894sni@g1734947894niwe.1734947894yrrah1734947894