Second edition of QSL Nations Cup begins today

DOHA: The Qatar Stars League (QSL)  officially announced the launch of the second QSL Nations Cup during a press conference yesterday and have invited the residents of Qatar to get behind their team as part of this unique tournament. 
Building on the successful inaugural tournament last year, the group stage of the second edition that begins today, will see 24 nationality based teams competing to be crowned champions, and collect the first prize of QR15,000.
The 24 teams competing in the second edition are: Afghanistan, Algeria, Argentina, Chad, Egypt, England, Ethiopia, France, India, Jordan, Italy, Lebanon, Nepal, Pakistan, Palestine, Philippines, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Somalia, Spain, Sudan, Syria and Tunisia.
The official launch event for the tournament will be on December 6 as part of the QSL match between Al Ahli and El Jaish. 
The match kicks off at 4.00pm at  Al Arabi Stadium, with entertainment will start from 2.30pm when the stadium gates open. 
There will be performers from several of the communities that are represented in the tournament, before the QSL match and during half-time. 
After the  match has finished, all 24 teams will be paraded around the stadium in front of their vocal supporters, ambassadors and community dignitaries. The day will be completed with a group match between Ethiopia and Afghanistan. 
Speaking at a press conference in Al Bidda Tower, Abdulrahman Al Dosari, Chief Commercial Officer for the QSL, outlined the importance of the work the league carries out within the community. 
He said: “The QSL Nations Cup is one of the many important community projects that the Qatar Stars League will deliver this season, aimed at increasing participation in football whilst bringing different communities together. Last year’s Nations Cup was a great success for the QSL and we hope that people get behind their fellow countrymen again and show their support at the launch event on the 6th December.”
He added: “Within the football family in Qatar we are doing a lot to create passion for football. All of the things we are doing here are for the community. It will take time but we are committed to building passion and support for football. We are all trying to build for the future of Qatar.” 
Ghanim Al Mohanndi, chairman of QSports, which will be partnering with QSL for the tournament, said: “We are very pleased to be working with Qatar Stars League to deliver this event. We hope the tournament will be a great celebration of the spirit of football and bring together the many local communities here in Qatar.”
The 2012 QSL Nations Cup which was won by France, will look to defend their title against strong competition in this year’s competition.
The teams were selected after working in collaboration with embassies and community leaders in order to offer the best possible representation of communities in Qatar.  All matches are scheduled to take place in Al Rayyan Stadium. THE PENINSULA