Staff Reporter
Doha: Tickets for the much-anticipated friendly match between Brazil and England will go on sale from today, it was announced at a joint press conference organised by Al Jazeera and Qatar Football Association (QFA). Both teams are expected to line up their strongest squads for the match to be played at the Khalifa International Stadium on November 14.
Tickets, priced at QR100, 150, 300 and 700, will be available between 4pm and 10pm at Khalifa Tennis Complex and major shopping malls across Doha. Football fans can also buy tickets online at the QFA’s official website (www.qfa.com.qa).
The friendly is part of an agreement between the federations of England and Brazil and is being organised by Al Jazeera Channel to mark its 10-year anniversary, in collaboration with the QFA.
QFA general secretary Saoud al-Mohannadi explained it would be a day to remember, with Qatar 2022 Bid Committee lining up as many as 30 fun-filled activities at the stadium. “There will also be three villages – Qatari, English and Brazilian – around the stadium,” said al-Mohannadi. “The match will kick off at 8pm but stadium gates will open at 4pm.”
He told reporters that five-time World Cup winners Brazil, who are playing as the hosting team in the match, would release their list of players on November 2, while England would name their squad on November 8.
Nasser al-Khulaifi, director of Al Jazeera Sports Channel, said both teams had taken the match as an intrinsic part of their preparation for next year’s World Cup in South Africa.
“This is a very important match for both teams. So barring injuries, all the big name players of both sides will come for the match as it’s one of the clauses in our contract,” he said.
The friendly was made possible following England’s automatic qualification for the World Cup finals. And the fact that their coach Fabio Capello agreeing not to play another match for November 18 only makes the match all the more important. England do not have another friendly until March 3.
“It has taken at least six months to plan and coordinate. We are expecting a full house with fans from both inside and outside of Qatar,” he added.
He said Al Jazeera would telecast live Brazilian training sessions, and special studios would be set up on the Corniche and at the hotels. “Al Jazeera plus 3 will broadcast the match in English,” he said.
“There will be plenty of surprises with great ex-players from England and Brazil,” said al-Khulaifi, thanking Qatar 2022 Bid Committee for their support with all of the arrangements. |
