Al Kass general manager Essa al-Hitmi, QSL deputy CEO Hani Balan and QSL Chief of Competition and Football Development Ahmad al-Harami at the launch event yesterday. PICTURE: Noushad Thekkayil
By Sports Reporter/Doha
The Qatar Cup was launched at a gala ceremony at the Museum of Islamic Art yesterday evening.
The latest addition to the nation’s football landscape will see the top four teams of the Qatar Stars League (QSL) face off for bragging rights as the first ever champion.
The event, which will be played out over two Saturdays — April 19 and April 26, will see QSL champions Lekhwiya, El Jaish, Al Sadd and Al Sailiya fight it out for the shimmering golden trophy which stands tall at 57 cm.
Talking about the inspiration behind the trophy, which has been designed and made in Qatar, Al Kass general manager Essa al-Hitmi said: “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.”
The guests present at the launch ceremony last evening, were treated to music and a short video presentation about the Cup which was then followed by various officials talking about the new competition, its design and they hoped it would add to Qatar’s football landscape.
QSL deputy CEO Hani Balan said: “This is a competition for the top four and it’s an honour for them to compete in it. This is the first time that all four teams will compete in it and there will be a new winner of the Cup. This trophy is the pride and joy of all the people of Qatar, and it was designed and made here.”
QSL Chief of Competition and Football Development Ahmad al-Harami said: “This is the first time for this new competition. Everyone remembers the first team who wins a new trophy so I am sure the four teams will give it all they’ve got.”
Both the semi-finals will be played on Saturday, April 19, with El Jaish up against Al Sadd at 5:15pm at Suheim Bin Hamad stadium, and QSL Champions Lekhwiya taking on fourth place finishers Al Sailiya later at 8pm.
The two teams to win the knockout matches will progress to the final which will be played on Saturday, April 26, at the Abdulla Bin Khalifa stadium at 7pm.
