RAMALLAH, May 23, 2013 (WAFA) – President Mahmoud Abbas Thursday welcomed the expected visit of the Spanish football Club FC Barcelona to Palestine in early August

He said that the visit of this outstanding team, which is widely popular in Palestine, is an occasion that reinforces the high sense of sports.

Abbas instructed the Palestinian Football Association to complete all necessary preparations to receive FC Barcelona, team and administration.

According to a press release published on FC Barcelona official website, the team will host two football clinics in the Middle East, the first will be in Palestine on August 3 and the other in Israel on August 4.

It said that “all proceeds from the FC Barcelona Peace Tour will be donated to the promotion of peace between Palestinians and Israelis through the values of sport.”

“Only first team players will be present at both football clinics,” the press release stated.

FC Barcelona Club also thanked Abbas for his vision and leadership.

In 2011 Abbas visited FC Barcelona football Club along with his two grandsons and were honored by the Club’s administration.

He also visited Real Madrid C.F, the other renowned and professional football club based in Madrid, Spain.

M.H./F.R.