Ahli midfielder Ahmed Hassan said the FIFA Club World Cup is a prestigious competition, unlike what have been circulated in the Egyptian media. The 33-year-old believes that the circumstances surrounding the competition indicate that it's a tournament of the utmost importance. "Obviously the Japanese mass media are quite interested in the Club World Cup. The Arabs in Tokyo are also into it," the former Anderlecht star told FilGoal.com. "It's an official competition which is affiliated to world governing body FIFA. The continental champions vie fiercely for its title, so how come it's just a negligible competition?" Egypt skipper Hassan pounded away at the Egyptian media, saying some journalists are misusing their influence.
Hassan hits out at Egyptian media "Some media men are constantly undermining the achievements of the clubs and the individuals as well. I think they are driven by their personal purposes," he elaborated. Hassan assured he's proud to take part in the Club World Cup, which runs from December 11th till 21st in Japan. "I am jubilant because It would be my first participation in the Club World Cup," he concluded. Manuel Jose's side qualified for the international tournament two consecutive times in 2005 and 2006, having finished last and third respectively. The Red Devils will make a record third appearance in the Club World Cup after winning the CAF Champions League title.