West Asian Football Federation General Secretary Fadi Zuraikat (L) and QFA General Secretary Saud al-Mohannadi exchange documents after they signed an agreement according to which Qatar will host the 8th WAFF Championship beginning December 25.
By Sports Reporter/Doha
Eleven teams will take part in the 8th West Asian Football Federation (WAFF) Championship to be held in Doha from December 25 to January 7, officials announced at a press conference yesterday.
An agreement to this effect was signed by WAFF General Secretary, Fadi Zuraikat, and his QFA counterpart, Saoud al-Mohannadi.
Commenting on the occasion, al-Mohannadi, who is also the CEO of the tournament, said: “We are very happy to announce the hosting of the 8th WAFF Championship. It is without doubt one of the most important events the Qatar Football Association (QFA) will host this season.”
He added: “In co-ordination with the West Asian Football Federation, QFA has allocated the competition, training venues, and official hotels and is ready to host the championship. All preparations are coming to an end and everyone involved is working hard to showcase this championship in a successful manner.”
Al-Mohannadi said the event was proof that the QFA is committed to the development of the game in the region.
“Hosting this significant event showcases QFA’s vision to continuously host regional championships in our bid to develop the local and regional football scene. QFA’s vision is to constantly strive to host different championships ahead of 2022 World Cup, and hosting the 8th WAFF Championship is a great example to show that we are in line with our vision.”
WAFF General Secretary Zuraikat commented: “The organisation of the 8th championship in Qatar is a quantum leap in the history of WAFF, where the event will attract great media coverage. It is also a great occasions for the fans as this is one of the premier football events of the region.”
Zuraikat said the dates of the tournament were chosen very carefully.
“The dates were chosen after a thorough study of all the continental and regional events which will take place in 2014. We also took into account the fact that this tournament would be ideal for teams that are preparing for the matches in the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers. At the same time, in this period the domestic leagues are often suspended in the region. “
The draw for the tournament will be held on November 11.
Zuraikat said the WAFF has chalked out plans for improving the standards of the game in the region.
“At the WAFF we have a scientific and practical vision for the future development, and this will be noticed during the championship. We always strive in all our championships to adhere to the highest organisation standards applied at FIFA & AFC championships,” said Zuraikat.
“As for WAFF’s future vision, we are looking forward to obtain the recognition of AFC for all the four regional federations (WAFF, EAFF, SAFF, and Asean), where each regional federation will secure the interests of its member associations, as well as reaching the phase where a number of regional federation’s championships will be approved to be the qualifiers for the continental finals.
“Here we would like to point out that WAFF was the pioneer in Asia in organising women’s futsal and men’s beach soccer events,” added Zuraikat.
He also declared his support for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
“Last but not least, we all must have our heads up! Yes, Qatar will be hosting the World Cup 2022. Qatar is the right place and it will prove to the whole World that the Middle East deserves to host such a major tournament.”
Iran have won the tournament four times, while Iraq, Kuwait and Syria have won it once each. Iran, however, are not taking part in the tournament this time.
The teams: Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Syria, Jordan, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Palestine, Lebanon and Yemen.
