Aspire Zone Foundation (AZF) launched the 12th Player Tournament for Football Fan Associations at the Movenpick Hotel Al Aziziyah in Doha yesterday.
The new competition will feature 16 teams from local, regional and international fan associations in Doha as well as an appearance from one of Qatar’s greatest football legends, Mansour Muftah.
AZF Events manager Abdullah al-Khater announced the tournament’s partners, which include Doha Bank as the Golden Partner and Saleh Al Hamad Al Mana (Nissan) as the Silver Partner. The latter will be donating a car as part of the tournament’s grand prize draw.
Al-Khater said, “Today we announce the launch of ‘The 12th Player’ tournament that will take place from April 15-26 here in Doha. We’re thrilled to add another event to AZF’s community sporting calendar that’s geared towards celebrating local and international football fan associations in recognition of their passion for the sport and one that is in line with AZF’s commitment to drive participation in sports and to promote a healthy lifestyle through a myriad of innovative programmes and activities for all members of the local community.”
He added: “The 12th Player tournament’s title refers to football fans and the tournament is being organised in recognition of the support they provide to their favourite teams either from the stands or behind screens. Now it is their turn to practice their favourite sport and show their passion on the pitch.
“On this occasion, I would also like to extend our gratitude to the tournament partners: Doha Bank, the Golden Partner; Nissan, as Silver Partner; Oxygen and Oryx, the Bronze Partners; and our Strategic Partner, Qatar Football Association (QFA), whom we collaborate with on various tournaments; as well as Qatar Living, our Community Partner. I would like also to thank the various sports clubs and embassies, who have helped engage and encourage the participation of their fan associations in this tournament.”
On the final day of the tournament, a one-day championship for AZF workers will also be organised.
Talking about the tournament, Muftah said, “I am thrilled to be here today and to be part of this tournament and I can’t wait to run out on to the pitch and compete with all these fine players. I have participated in similar GCC tournaments in the past and understand the level of work and organisation that goes into such an event so I applaud the efforts of the organisers of this tournament and would like to thank them as well as the many football fan associations.”
Tournament director Mohamed al-Hamadi said, “Events like the 12th Player tournament really reflect AZF’s passion towards organising events that benefit the local community and that combine AZF’s social, sports and awareness objectives. Using this tournament we’re also seeking to consolidate relations among fan associations by encouraging them to take part in activities that endorse sportsmanship.
“We also want to engage fans and promote healthy lifestyles and hope the tournament will encourage them to take part in their favourite sport and not to just watch it. Finally, we want to increase local awareness of the existence of these passionate fan associations and we hope that by getting people involved in community events and the various fan associations across Qatar we can fulfil our objective of promoting an active and healthy lifestyle.”
Al Kass Channel producer and commentator Dr Mohamed al-Saadi said, “Qatar’s fan groups are getting bigger and bigger, and are now recognised around the world. We have some of the most passionate fans here in Qatar and this tournament is about celebrating them and giving something back. Qatar’s fan groups will only get bigger the closer we get to the FIFA World Cup in 2022 and so I salute AZF for giving them a platform to be heard five years before the tournament kicks off.”
Each team will consist of seven players and a goalkeeper in addition to six substitutes, an administrator who can participate and a coach. The tournament will last for nine days and will be played at Aspire Dome’s indoor pitch.
Quarter-finals that will be played on April 22, while the semi-final matches will take place on April 24, before the final on April 26.
Winners of the tournament, including the top three teams, best goalkeeper and best scorer, will receive cash prizes of up to QR75,000.
Football fans are invited to cheer for their favourite teams. Only the final match requires fans to obtain tickets, which will cost QR10 and will available at the Aspire Park entrance to Aspire Academy.
(From left) Qatar football legend Mansour Muftah, Aspire Zone Foundation Events manager Abdullah al-Khater and Tournament director Mohamed al-Hamadi address a press conference announcing the 12th Player Tournament for Football Fan Associations at the Movenpick Hotel Al Aziziyah in Doha yesterday.
