Mansoor al-Ansari, Secretary General of QFA, addresses the gathering during the official draw ceremony of the Emir Cup 2015. Many officials and dignitaries from QFA and clubs attended the glitzy ceremony, held at the Ritz Carlton Hotel yesterday. Pictures: Anas al-Samaraee
By Sports Reporter/Doha
The Emir Cup 2015 draw ceremony took place yesterday, in Al Wosail Hall at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel here. The results determined which route the teams will take to reach the final match of the championship.
The luck of 18 contesting teams was determined by the Qatar Football Association (QFA) officials, who conducted the draw.
Qatar’s most prestigious football championship is set to witness the participation of 18 first and second division teams that will compete to win the coveted title.
Mansoor al-Ansari, Secretary General of QFA, Hani Balan, QFA Board Member, Hamad al-Kuwari, Acting Executive Director of Operations of QFA, and many officials and dignitaries from QFA and clubs attended the glitzy ceremony.
During his welcome speech at the draw ceremony, al-Ansari said: “On behalf of the Qatar Football Association (QFA), I am pleased to welcome you all to the Official draw ceremony of the Emir Cup 2014-15. We meet again this year to celebrate this prominent event through which we inaugurate a new edition of the most prestigious championship in Qatar, the 43rd Emir Cup.”
Addressing the partners of the championship, he added: “You have been partnering with QFA and continue to partner with us to contribute directly to the success of this championship, and QFA is delighted for the fruitful cooperation that has taken place over the past years.
“The presence of more than one major partner to support the Emir Cup this year showcases all the efforts undertaken in order to provide a unique championship at all levels.”
The draw procedure was conducted by Ali Hmoud al-Naimi, Head of Competitions in QFA, and was assisted by four former Qatari football legends—Obaid Gomaa, former player of Al Sadd; Majid al-Sayegh, former player of Al Arabi; Adel Khamees, former player of Al Gharrafa; and Mohamed Ghanim al-Rumaihi, who played for Al Ahli.
The draw ceremony is the first of the many events that will take place in the run-up to the most popular football event of the year. An astonishing draw ceremony was organised this year to thrill the guests and teams.
The Emir Cup which will be held from April 24 to May 23 and will be played at Qatar Sports Club, Al Arabi Sports Club, Lekhwiya Stadium,
Al Sadd Sports Club and Al Gharrafa Stadium.
The opening match of the tournament will kick-off at 5:15pm at the Al Arabi Stadium.
