Duhail vs Sadd Qatar Cup final set to attract capacity crowd

The organisers of Qatar Cup - the Qatar Stars League (QSL) – are expecting a large turnout of fans for the final to be played between Al Duhail and Al Sadd at the Jassim bin Hamad Stadium on Thursday (April 6) at 10pm.Details of the preparations leading to the Qatar Cup final were announced at a press conference at the Al Sadd Club on Monday. It was addressed by Hassan Rabiah al-Kuwari, Executive Director of Sales, Marketing and Communications, QSL; Ahmed Abdullah al-Sayed, Head of Football Operations at the QSL; and Captain Abdullah Masoud al-Khater from the Stadium Security Section of Establishments and Authorities Security Department at the Ministry of Interior.Al-Kuwari said: "I congratulate the two teams - Al Sadd and Al Duhail - on their qualification for the final of the eighth edition of Qatar Cup, to which the QSL attaches great importance. Preparations and arrangements are taking place in full swing in co-operation and co-ordination with all stakeholders and partners so that the final comes out in the best way befitting the prestigious tournament.”Al-Kuwari said a large number of fans are expected for the final. "The match is scheduled for late evening and as we have seen in the football games in past week or so, many fans are enjoying at the stadiums. So we expect a large number of fans and many are already making their ticket bookings,” he informed.He confirmed that the tickets were released 10 days ago and they were only available through the official website (tickets.qsl.qa) and official mobile application for smartphones, indicating that approximately 65 percent of the tickets had been sold out so far in addition to the tickets allotted to Al Sadd and Al Duhail clubs.The QSL is also setting up a fan zone besides many entertainment events for families and kids. "A fan zone will be set up on the sidelines of the match and its doors will open from 8pm, two hours prior to kick-off. It will feature activities and entertainment shows for children, families and all age groups,” al-Kuwari said.He revealed that many valuable prizes, in addition to two cars, could be won through draws during the match. "I invite all fans to come early to enjoy the accompanying events,” he said.Al-Kuwari also expressed his thanks and appreciation to all sponsors, partners and supporters of the prestigious tournament.Talking about football operations, al-Sayed said: "We congratulate the two teams for their presence in the Qatar Cup 2023 final and we affirm that our preparations are continuing well for the final to be a distinguished one. The final will not have extra-time. If there is a tie then the match would head straight into the shootout.”He added that the technical meeting of the final would be held today along with representatives of both the teams and there would also be a co-ordination meeting.Apprising of the security arrangements, Captain al-Khater requested the fans to make their way to the stadium for the final early to avoid traffic snarls. "The arrangements are going on well in co-ordination and co-operation with QSL officials and an integrated security plan has been developed for match day operations. "We urge fans to be present at the stadium early to avoid traffic congestion as well as to adhere to the instructions of organizers and security personnel,” he said.He added that his teams now have good experience following Qatar’s successful staging of 2022 FIFA World Cup and all evaluated methods for spectators’ ease and convenience with all security measures will be put into place.