(MENAFN- The Peninsula) The Qatar Cup trophy was officially unveiled yesterday at the Museum of Islamic Art in front of the gathered media and VIP guests.
The lavish ceremony was set against the backdrop of one of Doha's most iconic buildings, a location deserving of the event.
The shimmering golden façade of the trophy was a sight to behold, measuring 57cm tall and 22cm wide.
The Qatar Cup will be contested among the top four sides in the Qatar Stars League (QSL) which concluded last Friday.
Essa Al Hitmi, the General Manager of Al Kass Sports Channel, talked in detail about the inspiration for the Cup trophy.
"The shape of the trophy was inspired by the flag of Qatar and the country's national anthem is engraved on the back of it. After all, it is called the Qatar Cup," Al Hitmi said.
The guests were treated to music and a short video presentation about the Cup which was then followed by speeches Al Hitmi of Al Kass TV, Al Harami, QSL Chief of Competition and Football Development, and Deputy CEO of QSL Hani Balan who all spoke about the new competition, its design and how they hoped it would add to Qatar's football landscape.
Balan said: "This is a competition for the top four QSL sides and it's an honour for them to compete in it. This is the first time that all four teams will compete in this event and there will be a new champion. This trophy is the pride and joy of all the people of Qatar and it was designed and made here."
Al Harami, QSL Chief of Competition and Football Development, said: "This is the first time for this new competition. Everyone remembers the first team which wins a new trophy so I am sure the four teams will give it all they've got."
Both semi-finals will be played on Saturday April 19 with El Jaish up against Al Sadd at 5:15pm at the Suheim Bin Hamad Stadium, and then later in the evening at 8:00pm, QSL champions Lekhwiya will face fourth-placed Al Sailiya.
The two teams to win the knock out matches will progress to the final which will be played on Saturday April 26 at the Abdulla Bin Khalifa Stadium at 7:00pm, officials said yesterday.
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