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ABOUT US

ABOUT US

ABOUT OUR CLUB

DEDICATED TO DEVELOPING FOOTBALLERS, BUILDING CHARACTER, AND CREATING FUTURE CHAMPIONS OF THE GAME

Al-Ittifaq FC was founded in Dubai in 2020 with a clear purpose: to create a professional, ambitious football club. Operating as Nojoom Al-Ittifaq Sports Services LLC, we are a FIFA-approved club with deep roots in the UAE football ecosystem. In 2024–25, Al-Ittifaq FC earned promotion to the UAE First Division — and with the arrival of visionary new ownership, world-class players and an internationally recognised coaching staff, the club’s ambitions now reach all the way to the UAE Pro League.

Know the Players. Know the Passion.

One Club. Millions of Connections.
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  • A growing community of over 82,000 followers through regular content, match-day coverage, and branded campaigns.
  • Leverage the combined influence of our first-team players, whose social media audiences exceed 16 million followers

Join Al-Ittifaq FC and connect your brand with one of the UAE's most ambitious football projects.

Learn More SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES 2026/27

OUR PHILOSOPY

A genuine pathway from youth academy to first team

Attack-minded, entertaining football that excites fans

Multinational squad with strong UAE national player representation

International partnerships to develop scouting, coaching and player transfers

Family-friendly, community-focused club culture

APPROACH

OUR APPROACH

reach the top of Emirati football and we're just getting started

From grassroots youth football to the UAE First Division, Al-Ittifaq FC is building a football community that belongs to everyone in Dubai.

  • 2020 — The Beginning - Al-Ittifaq FC was established in 2020 in Dubai, UAE. Registered under Nojoom Al-Ittifaq Sports Services LLC, , the club entered the UAE Second Division .
  • 2021–23 — Building the Foundation - In their debut competitive season, Al-Ittifaq competed across all age categories from U8 to U21, alongside the first team.
  • 2024 — Transformation - In January 2024, Australian businessman Ross Pelligra — owner of Italian Serie C club Catania FC and A-League side Perth Glory — was announced as the club's new owner.
  • 2024–25 — Promotion Achieved — the club was elevated to the UAE First Division for the 2025–26 season — a landmark moment in the club's short history.
  • 2025 — New Ownership, New Ambition - Italian entrepreneur Pietro Laterza, president of historic Italian club AC ChievoVerona and founder of construction group Tre Elle Group Spa, acquired the club and brought an ambitious new vision rooted in Italian footballing culture, international partnerships and long-term growth in the UAE.

OUR MISSION

Our vision is clear and ambitious: over the short term (2025–2027), Al-Ittifaq FC aims to establish itself as a competitive force in the UAE First Division, develop one of the most respected football academies in the Gulf region, and build a passionate and growing fanbase in Dubai. Looking further ahead, the club is committed to achieving promotion to the UAE Pro League and becoming a permanent fixture in the top tier of Emirati football, recognized as a model club that combines international standards of excellence with strong community roots and sustainable player development.

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GOVERNANCE

GOVERNANCE

Leadership with Vision. Football with Purpose.

More Details

PIETRO LATERZA - OWNER

Pietro Laterza is a visionary entrepreneur and founder of the Tre Elle Group, with investments across real estate, hospitality, energy, and sports. As Owner and President of Al-Ittifaq FC and owner of Chievo Verona, he brings an international football perspective and creates valuable synergies between the UAE and European football markets. His vision focuses on sustainable growth, player development, and sporting excellence, leveraging shared expertise in talent development, coaching, and football operations to position Al-Ittifaq FC as an ambitious and respected club within the UAE football landscape.

Ricardo Pinto - General Manager

Ricardo Pinto has been a key figure in Al-Ittifaq FC's transformation, successfully guiding the club through different ownership phases while contributing both as Head Coach and General Manager. After leading the team to promotion and helping establish a strong sporting and operational foundation, he now focuses on driving the club's long-term vision, developing talent, and turning Al-Ittifaq FC's ambitions into sustainable success.

ANDREA FULCO - Advisor

Andrea Fulco is the Special Sports Consultant to the Ownership of Al-Ittifaq FC, advising on strategic football matters and partnerships. His experience and industry insight support the club's leadership in shaping a sustainable sporting vision and achieving its long-term ambitions.

Get in touch with us

+971 58 508 54 58

Email address

info@ittifaq.ae

location

RIPE MARKET ACADEMY ETISALAT LEISURE CLUB

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