The Qatar Football Association (QFA) has issued new directives for the development of second tier of football for the 2017-18 season, announcing a new league for the coming season.
According to details, the existing Qatargas League will be scrapped and a new league competition for U-23 teams will be launched in the 2017-18 season.
The teams in the new U-23 set up will have rosters of 23 players, including 3 residing in Qatar. Teams are entitled to field in two senior squad players in every match.
Next season will also witness the return of the second division league in its old format; each club in the league can register up to 26 players, including three foreigners, one Asian player and one resident.
Black card holding players are allowed in the league with two players for each club.
The new set-up has been devised to develop youth football that could provide an improved player-base for the Qatar national teams.
Al Khor sack head coach Fernandez
Qatar Stars League side Al Khor have confirmed a host of changes to the side for the upcoming 2017/2018 season.
Club officials revealed that head coach Jean Fernandez along with three professional players, Wellington Souza, Mouhcine Iajour and Sultan al-Enezi, will all leave the club in the summer.
The loss of head coach Fernandez will be a major blow for the Knights, who have relied on vastly experienced French coach to pull away from the relegation zone for the last two campaigns.
Club officials also revealed that only one professional will stay with the club, with Brazilian midfielder Madson signing a two-year contract extension.
Al Khor will now begin the process of finding a replacement for Fernandez and the three professional players over the summer months. Al Khor ended their QSL campaign just above the relegation zone in 11th place.
