|
|
Al Ahli have announced an official partnership with the Qatar Indian Football Forum.
Both Al Ahli and the QIFF will join forces this weekend as part of an agreement of mutual co-operation and support which was recently signed.
Following the inaugural ceremony of the 7th Inter-District Football tournament last month, the QIFF have further strengthened their position in the local football scene by joining forces with Al Ahli Football Club.
Shamsudheen Olakara, President of the QIFF and Mohammed Shammen, General Secretary of QIFF, recently met Nasser Yakoub, Audience and Marketing Manager of Al Ahli to sign a special agreement of mutual co-operation and support.
The QIFF have since arranged to hold two matches after the QSL fixture with Al Rayyan this weekend.
A bumper crowd is expected to turn out for both Al Ahli v Al Rayyan and the Indian-themed extravaganza, further demonstration of the community work being carried out between QSL clubs and the QIFF.
Yakoub admitted he was excited by the possibilities the partnership could throw up for both parties.
He said: “We know there is a large Indian community in Qatar. They are passionate about football and want to be involved in their own football adventure, as well as the QSL’s.
“We at Al Ahli are proud to be involved with such a large presence of football fans in the game. We believe we can offer the Indian community a great football experience, while hopefully making a lasting impression in their minds and hearts.”
Shamsudheen Olakara, President of QIFF, said that the Indian community people are always passionate to the football events of Qatar and they will use every opportunity to declare their solidarity towards such events of QSL.
Al Arabi Stadium will open from 2.30pm, giving the local Indian football fans the chance to soak up some authentic entertainment.
A host of special activities will take place on the day, with special Indian musicians and dance acts put on to give the local community a taste of their homeland.
There is more than just football on however, a further sign that Al Ahli and the QSL wish to demonstrate attending matches is an experience that lasts longer than 90 minutes.
There will be fantastic cash prizes on offer, the highlight of which is the innovative Kick for Cash initiative. Fans get the chance to try and score a free-kick past a ‘dummy’ wall. Each kick is worth QR1,000. If one fan misses, the money keeps rolling over until someone scores.
Another special incentive is the chance for 2,000 fans to receive vouchers for Cash Exchange, allowing the opportunity to waive the 15 QR surcharge normally levied against international transfer funds.
In a further incentive for the Indian community, it was revealed all transport would be supplied to and from the match for near-6,000 fans that are expected to turn out for the match,
Hani Ballan, Deputy CEO for the Qatar Stars League, said: “This is the second year the QSL has worked so closely with the QIFF.
“The passion they demonstrate for football is incredible. Their approach and interest in football is exactly the sort of thing we want to cultivate within the different local communities in Qatar.
“This is an exciting partnership and I am sure it will be a big success.”