The amateur tournament, marking Sweet World’s 6th branch launch in Karama, featured former Indian football stars Mohammed Rafi and C.K. Vineeth alongside prominent UAE expats.
DUBAI: Portugal fans claimed ultimate bragging rights in Dubai after defeating arch-rivals Argentina in a dramatic penalty shootout to lift the “Sweet World Cup.” Organized to celebrate the grand opening of Sweet World’s sixth branch in Karama, the football tournament brought together top UAE-based expatriate football clubs representing global giants Argentina, Brazil, France, and Portugal in a thrilling display of community sportsmanship.
The high-octane tournament, held under the auspices of KEFA (Kerala Expats Football Association), witnessed fierce competition as passionate local fan bases donned their favorite international colors. After intense group stages, the final showdown saw Portugal and Argentina battle to a stalemate before Portugal held their nerve in the crucial shootout to secure the championship trophy.
Adding star power to the sporting carnival, former Indian international football icons Mohammed Rafi and C.K. Vineeth took to the pitch to captain a special Argentina vs. Brazil exhibition match. This high-profile friendly featured an eclectic mix of prominent UAE-based journalists, business leaders, and social media influencers, much to the delight of the crowd.
At the closing ceremony, Firoz Latheef, Managing Director of Sweet World, presented the winner’s trophies to the triumphant Portugal squad. The event was attended by several notable community figures, including Ismail Mohammed, Shaji Abrico, Telhat Forum, Shafeel Kannur, Nikhil Mohan, Chacko Oolakkadan, and Hakim Vazhakalayil.
Expatriate sports tournaments in the UAE serve as a major cultural anchor for the massive South Asian diaspora, particularly the football-loving community from Kerala. Events like the Sweet World Cup, organized by veteran expat bodies like KEFA, consistently bridge the gap between corporate brand engagement and community grassroots sports, drawing thousands of working professionals and families together.
