Stage set for Qatar's biggest football event

Date

3/31/2016 1:11:25 AM

(MENAFN- The Peninsula)

DOHA: The 44th edition of the Emir Cup will be played out in five phases and at three venues Qatar Football Association (QFA) announced at a glittering draw ceremony yesterday.

QFA President Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani Vice President Saud Al Mohannadi and Secretary General Mansoor Al Ansari joined club coaches and team officials at a special ceremony held at Four Seasons Hotel.

The QFA Executive Committee members were also present along with print and digital media officials.

A total of 18 clubs will battle for Emir Cup honours with the first of five phases commencing on April 18 just days after the conclusion of Qatar Stars League (QSL) officials said on yesterday.

The most keenly-awaited football tournament in the country Emir Cup will end on May 20 when the two top teams battle for the crown at a game to be witnessed by Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

All of the games will be telecast live by Al Kass Sports Channel and other media outlets throughout the five stages of the event.

The organisers have planned a series of activities for the April 18 to May 20 period it was announced at the draw ceremony yesterday.

At the draw ceremony yesterday footage of old Emir Cup matches was run for a short while followed by event details given by Ali Hamoud Al Nuaimi the Competitions Manager.

The final of the tournament will be held at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium on May 20. Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium is the home turf of Al Sadd.

Al Arabi Club and Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium are the two other venues to be used for the five-week event.

The opening game of the tournament will be played between Muaither and Al Shahaniya - the two top sides in Qatargas Second Division League. Muaither and Al Shahniya will appear in QSL from next season.

In the second game two other Second Division sides Al Markhiya and Al Shamal will face-off for a place in the second round of the tournament.

The tournament is open for 14 QSL sides and four Second Dvision sides of the Qatargas League.

Al Rayyan have already won the QSL title while Mesaimeer which has just five points with three rounds to go have been relgated to Second Division.

The second team to be relegated from QSL and the four top sides which will qualify for the Qatar Cup will be decided in the next three rounds of the QSL.

The partners of this year’s Emir Cup include: Shell - Lead Partner. Sony/51 east - Official Partner Nike - Official Supplier QNB - Strategic Partner Ooredoo - Official Telecommunication Sponsor AAB Toyota - Official Car Al Kass - Official Broadcast Partner The Look Company - Branding Partner Aamal - Sponsor and Qatar Airways - Official Exclusive Carrier.The Peninsula

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