Doha: A delegation from the Football Operations Department representing the Qatar Stars League (QSL) has visited Japan and Korea in the middle of March to enhance relations and exchange experiences with the professional football leagues and football federations of both north-east Asian countries.
The delegation was headed by Ahmad Al Harami — Head of Football Operations, Miguel Heitor — Football Development Supervisor, Maksat Glychmamedov — Competition Operation Officer and Fahad Al Suwaidi – Competition Officer.
The meetings covered several topics related to football operations and football development such as: Vision and mission and strategy, the history of the league, management structure & league structure, the relationship between league and federation, match operations structure (league and club responsibilities), stadium inspections and match operations procedures, the league action plan, the entire season structure (calendar of all domestic and international competitions), league fixtures procedure, the number of clubs in the league, the respect programme, promotion and relegation formats, business models (sponsors and advertisers), attendance averages, the effective playing time campaign, anti-match fixing procedures, match analysis systems, activities of the leagues (promotion, educational activities) and education of youth players.
Both fact-finding visits were very important to receive detailed technical information and knowledge from the two most experienced football leagues in Asia and therefore acquire a better idea of where exactly the Qatar Stars League is in comparison.
After the visits and analysis of the two successful North-East Asian leagues the delegation was proud to conclude that the QSL has the same or even better levels of football organisation and implementation.
Specifically in terms of match operations and procedures as well as match analysis systems, however, there are some areas that the QSL still requires some improvement such as better long-term planning based on the overall mission and vision of QSL.
A separate report will be produced and published highlighting all technical matters discussed during the meetings with emphasis on the key aspects learned from both the J-League and K-League respectively, in order to prepare a well-balanced Football Operations Department Strategy and road map in the years to come.
The Peninsula
