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The Qatar Football Association (QFA) has launched a new tournament yesterday, declaring it to be another step forward in the development of football in the country. |
“The introduction of the “Q League” creates another competitive opportunity for young players of the nation, which can enhance and support what we’re doing with the Qatar Stars League (QSL),” QFA director of competitions Hamad al-Mannai said.
“Preparations for the Q league were in place for months now as it is crucial for the development of football and players,” he said.
The competition will comprise 18 clubs, including 14 from the Reserve League and four from the Second Division.
The competition will be played on league format with the top two promoted to the QSL, while the 13th and 14thplaced teams in the QSL will be relegated to the Q League.
“The introduction of the league is one way to create an opportunity for players to play in a meaningful competition, to enhance their prospects,” Lekhwiya coach Roamno Sergi said.
“It was a two-month long preparation for us and I think it’s the time to perform on the field,” he added. The competition begins on Saturday (September 21), with the final due to be played on December 17.
Mesaimeer will meet Al Sadd in the opening match of the league at Wakrah Stadium at 6:15pm and Muaither will take on Gharafa at 8:30pm.
The other two matches on the opening day will be between Al Ahli and Al Khor and Sailiya and Qatar Sports.
Mesaimeer coach Rahat Abdul Latif said: “It’s an early start to the season than usual. It will be a more competitive league with a new format, but I hope we are well prepared for the competition.”
“The new format is a good opportunity for players to showcase their talent at a more competitive level,” Al Sadd coach Abdul Rehman Sulemani said.
A logo for the league was also launched on the occasion. The new logo is inspired by a football’s circular shape, the new Q League logo engages a sense of skill, unity and endurance. The three swatches that create the round image highlight the energy and enthusiasm of football, coupled with an interlocking design that suggests teamwork and advance planning.
“We are very excited about launching the league and its logo. We have formulated a detailed marketing campaign for the league,” QFA director marketing and communication Khalid al-Kuwari said.
“We have signed an agreement with Al Kass channel for the telecast of the matches,” he said.
The 153 matches will be played at nine stadiums – Al Sadd, Qatar Sports Club, Al Gharafa, Al Rayyan, Lekhwiya, Al Arabi, Al Wakhra, Al Khor and Al Sailiya.
