Qatari clubs have continued their ongoing preparations with the start of the countdown for the return of the QNB Stars League from July 24, after a long period of interruption that lasted for more than three months due to the Coronavirus (Covid-19) crisis.
The league competition has been suspended since last March due to the Coronavirus, which led to the suspension of sporting activities in all countries of the world and cancelled many major global competitions, especially in light of the high number of infections and the high number of deaths as well, a matter which forced most countries to announce the suspension of all sports activities to uphold the safety of all.
The clubs’ preparations began a long time ago and in many phases in order to preserve the safety of all, as all the clubs were subjected to the necessary medical tests in the midst of strict health procedures by the Qatar Stars League (QSL), the Qatar Football Association and the Ministry of Public Health.
With all the clubs completing their quarantine period, more preparations began for the return of the league and its remaining five rounds, as competitions will be tough for all who are seeking to win points and make more gains.
The QSL had made an amendment to the schedule of matches in Weeks 18, 19 and 20 of 2019-20 season QNB Stars League after reviewing the latest developments and recommendations, and in co-ordination with the authorities concerned.
It had been decided to hold matches in each round over three days and reduce the number of stadiums to be used to two (Al Janoub and Al Sadd) in order to minimise the pressure on operations and medical teams, against the backdrop of Covid-19 pandemic.
The kick-off timings and venues of matches in the last two weeks (21 and 22) will be finalised later based on the results and standings of teams in the table, as the QSL is keen to provide all clubs with equal opportunities.
In the meantime, Umm Salal will play a friendly match against Al Rayyan on July 17, as part of the preparations of the two teams related to the resumption of the league matches. Al Rayyan is preparing to face Qatar club on July 24 in round 18 at Jassim bin Hamad Stadium, while Umm Salal is preparing to meet Al Duhail on July 25. Qatar Sports Club decided to cancel the friendly scheduled against Al Shamal on July 10 as part of its preparations to play against Al Rayyan. Al Wakra Club announced that the team will play two friendly matches during the current camp period with the teams of Al Shahaniya and Al Markhiya. Its first match will be against Al Shahaniya on July 10, while the second will be against Al Markhiya on July 17, one week before the start of the official matches.
Meanwhile, Al Sadd announced that Mexican player Marco Fabian will leave the club as his contract expired on June 30. Also, Spanish midfielder Gabi left the team following the end of his contract. Gabi played two seasons with Al Sadd, where he won the league, Super Cup, and Qatar cup titles.
Al Duhail Club recently announced that it had reached an agreement with the Croatian star Mario Mandzukic to end a contract by mutual consent, while Moroccan Mbark Boussoufa refused to renew with Al Sailiya.
Al Arabi Club announced the renewal of the contract of the team player Fahad Khalfan for two seasons, to continue with the club until the end of the season (2021-2022). Al Arabi had previously renewed contracts of a number of players, including Jasser Yahya, Khalifa al-Maliki, Jassim Jaber, and Mohamed Saad al-Badr.
An Al Duhail player trains yesterday ahead of the restart of the QNB Stars League, which will begin from July 24. Before that, leaders Duhail will play friendly matches against Qatar SC on July 11 and Al Kharaitiyat on July 18. Duhail will resume their league campaign on July 25, against Umm Salal at the Al Janoub Stadium.
