Doha: Qatar Stars League’s (QSL) end of season show-piece event Qatar Cup will kick off on April 26, it was announced here yesterday.
The tournament is into its second edition, used to be known as the Heir Apparent Cup, will be contested by four teams. The tournament sees the top four teams take part in two semi-finals and the qualifiers will face off in the final.
This year’s QSL champions Lekhwiya, along with Al Sadd, El Jaish and Qatar Sports Club will see in action in all the three Qatar Cup matches at the prestigious Abdulla bin Khalifa stadium, the home of Lekhwiya Sports Club.
Lekhwiya, which won the QSL title, will take on fourth placed Qatar Sports Club, whilst Al Sadd which finished second will face El Jaish which took the third place. The semi-finals will be played on April 26 and the grand final will take place on May 1.
Addressing a press conference to launch the second edition of the Qatar Cup Hassan Al Kuwari- QSL - Head of General Events, said many prizes on offer for the fans.
“We have some really great prizes that will make a great few days even more fun.”
In addition Al Kuwari said QSL have lined up plenty of activities on the day of the matches, “There will be many events before and during the game, at half time, actually, ten days before the final there will be many events around the country for the public to get involved in.”
With regards to tickets, fans can go to the QSL website to find out more details and also buy them directly. There will be tickets for sale this week onwards, at various points around the city. With a total capacity of just 8 or 9 thousand at the stadium, we recommend that fans go early and buy tickets,” he added.
Ahmed Al Adsani, Match Operations Specialist said: “The motivation for the teams is big; all the teams have had a break and will be ready. All four teams are very strong this season and so they all have a good chance of winning it.”
Al Kuwari then reminded the assembled media that the Qatar Cup will be going on a tour of the country and that it was a great opportunity for the public to go and see it and be a part of a great footballing experience.
“The Trophy Tour is a chance for fans to have a photo taken next to the glimmering trophy, so come along. Everybody who lives in Qatar is welcome.”
Khalifa Saleh Al Haroon, Executive Director of Marketing & Communications said at the end of the press conference how excited he was to be a part of his first ever Qatar Cup.
“We will also be trying to engage the wider world, and show them that the people of Qatar are mad about football and hopefully they will get a small taste of the football spirit of the Qatari people.”
“We want people around the world to associate football and Qatar in the same breathe, just like other big footballing countries.”
Hani Ballan, the CEO of QSL said: “This Cup is very important for the four teams, this cup is a big deal, we worked a lot to make the Cup even better this yearOur target every day is to improve in all areas including this competition. I am confident that the League is doing a good job and I would like to thank the sponsors also who have supported us from day one and helped us right up until now.”The Peninsula
Doha: The Qatar Stars League (QSL) and Qatar Football Association (QFA) yesterday announced that this year’s edition of the Qatar Cup will have no extra time being played and that the matches will go straight to penalties if necessary.
The decision is in complete alignment with the QFA’s policy which sees no extra time in their end of year tournament, the Emir Cup.
After a long and tough league campaign both sports bodies felt it best to eliminate extra time so as to avoid the possibility of any injuries due to player fatigue as well as to ensure the best possible performance of the four teams involved.The Peninsula
