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The season will, as per the norm, conclude in May, followed by the Qatar Cup and the prestigious Amir Cup. The first five rounds of the league will be held at the World Cup stadiums. The league will also take a break for six weeks as Qatar will host the Asian Cup from January 12 to February 10, 2024. The opening day of the league tomorrow will see Al Wakrah take on Muaither at Al Janoub Stadium, while Al Arabi will face Al Shamal at Al Thumama Stadium. Tomorrow, Qatar SC will meet Al Gharafa at Khalifa International Stadium, while Al Markhiya take on Al Rayyan at Al Janoub Stadium. The first round matches will conclude on Friday, defending champions Al Duhail clash with Al Ahli while at Al Thumama Stadium, while Umm Salal will face Al Sadd at Al Bayt Stadium.
Hassan Rabiah al-Kuwari, Executive Director of Sales, Marketing and Communications at QSL, praised the co-operation on the part of all partners, stakeholders and club companies for their efforts to make the season a success at all levels. He said efforts have been made in the pre-season to increase public attendance for the matches.
“An action plan has been developed in preparation for the new season, in co-operation with all partners, stakeholders and club companies. We thank everyone for their appreciated efforts, and we wish a successful season for all teams,” he said.
“All preparations have been completed for the launch of the new season and we are on the verge of a distinguished season. Thanks are due to the Organising Committee of Expo 2023 Doha for their great co-operation with us, and we wish them success in their project to host the Expo, which comes within Qatar National Vision 2030,” al-Kuwari added.
Ahmed Khellil Abbassi, QSL’s Executive Director of Competitions & Football Development, confirmed that the meeting with the clubs had taken place and all arrangements had been completed. “The new season will witness a number of tournaments, including the 2023 AFC Asian Cup, where a calendar has been set that is commensurate with the various events, whether for the national team or the clubs participating in the AFC Champions League. We hope to witness a strong season in terms of the technical level of the clubs, who have signed a number of exciting players,” he said.
He pointed out that the new season will witness 62 new foreign players, and the league will witness a six-week hiatus starting from end of December until mid-February 2024.
Abbassi said the main aim of the QSL is to raise its market value to over 250mn euros. While not setting any deadline for the ambitious goal, he said: “We seek to raise the market value of the league to over 250mn euros.”
Nasser Abdullah al-Hajri, Executive Director of Marketing and Communications at Aspire, said the stadiums are ready to host matches. “All logistical services have been provided by Aspire for the tournament,” he said
“The first five rounds of the league will be held in five FIFA World Cup stadiums, which have air-conditioned features. We are co-ordinating with the organisers of the league, and we hope to raise the level of public attendance for all clubs.”
Captain Abdullah Masoud from the Stadium Security Department of the Facilities and Authorities Security Department at the Ministry of Interior, said: “Arrangements and preparations are being made by the Sports Security Department. In this regard, we call for adherence to all instructions and instructions for security men to ensure a distinguished match experience for all fans.”
Meanwhile, Al Duhail star Almoez Ali was confident that his team would retain the title. “The arrival of new players will boost our chances. We have prepared by playing four friendly matches, and the technical staff was keen to intensify the preparations in order to reach the required readiness,” he said.
“We hope to succeed in presenting a distinguished level in the league as well as in the AFC Champions League,” he added.
Al Gharafa’s Algerian midfielder Yaccine Brahimi said his team will be aiming to upstage big guns Duhail and Al Sadd for the title.
