Zurich - Arabic became the fifth language on the website of the ruling football body FIFA on Thursday, joining English, Spanish, French and German.

FIFA said the move reflected the rise of Arabic on the internet and the fact that three tournaments will be played this year in the region: World Club Cup and beach football World Cup in the United Arab Emirates, and the Under-20 World Cup in Egypt.

"People in this part of the world are passionate about football and we are very much looking forward to the tournaments in Egypt and the United Arab Emirates this year. I am confident that the Arabic channel of FIFA. com will prove to be extremely popular," said FIFA boss Joseph Blatter.

The Arabic version of the website is presented by Arab Radio and Television (ART). (dpa)