The Qatar Football Association (QFA) has announced the launch of the fourth edition of the Qatargas U-23 League for the 2020-2021 season. The tournament has been organised over the past few years as a result of the fruitful and exemplary partnership between Qatargas and the QFA, which has witnessed the implementation of many successful activities and projects.
The 2020-2021 Qatargas U-23 League is all set to kick off today, with 12 clubs from the first division participating in this year’s edition: Al Ahli, Al Sadd, Al Rayyan, Al Duhail, Al Arabi, Al Gharafa, Qatar SC, Umm Salal, Al Khor, Al Sailiya, Al Wakrah, and Al Kharaitiyat. The matches will be shown on Al-Kass TV, the official broadcaster of the competition.
Al Duhail come into this year’s competition as the title holder for all the previous three editions, ever since the tournament was held under its new name. The crowning of the third edition, in the 2019-2020 season, came after the QFA decided to end the Qatargas U-23 League competition due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Taking into account only the games played up to that point, the existing points table was adopted to decide the final ranking, with Al Khor and Al Arabi finishing second and third respectively.
On the occasion of the launch of the fourth edition of the competition, Khaled Mubarak al-Kuwari, Director of Marketing and Communications at QFA, said: “The Qatar Football Association and Qatargas have been linked by a strong relationship that has spanned many years, and this tournament is one of the fruits of this unique partnership. The Qatargas U-23 League has been the recipient of a great sponsorship, which shows the depth of the relationship between the Qatar Football Association and Qatargas, a regular partner of the various tournaments organised by the QFA.”
He further explained: “This season will be the last of the Qatargas U-23 League competition, after the Executive Committee of the Qatar Football Association decided to hold the 2020-21 season as the final edition and to organise the reserve league in its place, starting from 2021-2020.”
Ali Ibrahim al-Sulaiti, Public Relations Manager at Qatargas, said: “Qatargas is honoured to be part of the premier U-23 league through our corporate sponsorship. The support we offer the league is our way to leverage a popular sport to bring people together, encourage a healthy and competitive spirit among our nation’s youth, and help fulfil the ambition of our National Vision 2030. We wish all the participating sport clubs an exciting season and a thrilling tournament.”
Today, Umm Salal will play against Al Wakrah at Al Sailiya Stadium, while Al Sadd will face off with Al Duhail at the Grand Hamad Stadium, and finally, Qatar SC will play against Al Rayyan at Al Khor Stadium.
During the first phase of the Qatargas League, 66 matches will be played over 11 rounds.