The market value of Qatar Stars League (QSL) has witnessed more than a 100 percent growth in the last two years, a top football official said on Tuesday.
Dr Ahmed Khellil Abbassi, Executive Director of Competitions and Football Development at QSL, on Tuesday revealed statistics from the last two seasons.
He was speaking at a media briefing also attended by Hassan Rabiah al-Kuwari, Executive Director of Sales, Marketing and Communication at QSL; Ahmed Salman al-Adsani, Director of Competitions Department at QSL; and Nasser Mubarak al-Kuwari, Head of Events Department at QSL.
The 12-team QSL season is set to kick off on August 9.
“We’re all excited about the start of the new football season, which I expect to be stronger as a continuation of the exciting competition last season,” Dr Abbassi said on Tuesday.
“The numbers and statistics confirm that the market value of the league has witnessed a remarkable increase since the start of development project, as it rose from 150 million euros two seasons ago to 313 million euros currently, which means that the value of the league has doubled by 100 per cent in the past two seasons,” Dr Abbassi revealed during the media briefing held at Al Bidda Tower.
Dr Abbassi said QSL remained in swift mode to help clubs sign overseas players way ahead of the start of the new season.
“With regard to contracts of foreign professionals, the clubs, in cooperation with QSL, have concluded their contracts with coaches and players well before the start of competitions, reaching 85 per cent before July 10 and 98 percent on August 1,” Dr Abbassi said.
“That means the clubs have contracted the best players available in the global transfer market at an appropriate financial value, which will be reflected on the performance of teams and the technical condition before the start of the tournament. In this regard, I extend my sincere thanks to the club companies and relevant authorities for their great cooperation with us,” he added.
Al-Kuwari, the Executive Director of Sales, Marketing and Communication, praised the co-operation from QSL partners, associated entities and club companies for their appreciable efforts in the build-up to the 2024-25 season.
“Everyone has been working hard to ensure a great season as the promotional campaign was launched with the participation of a number of Ooredoo Stars League club stars,” al-Kuwari said on Tuesday.
“Ticket sales also began online through the official website and online application, which has witnessed development in the services provided through it with the aim of facilitating user experience for the fans as the option to pay and complete the purchase process via (Apple Pay and Google Pay) has been added.
“I also commend the development on the part of club companies and the various initiatives and programmes, and we’re all working hand in hand with them with the goal to help them in the marketing and promotion process,” he added.
Director of Competitions Department at QSL, al-Adsani, said on Tuesday: “The stadiums are ready to host the matches as coordination has already been done between the work force of QSL, club companies and all entities involved, and we hope to present a great season.”
He added that as part of the arrangements for the season, the Competitions Department of Qatar Football Association announced the calendar early, according to which the date of August 9, 2024, was set for the start of Ooredoo Stars League.
“Overseas engagements of our national teams and clubs were also taken into consideration,” he said.
“The stadiums were determined in coordination with the relevant authorities and the first rounds will be held at World Cup stadiums. On my part, I would like to extend my thanks and appreciation to the Ministry of Sports and Youth and Aspire Academy for their great cooperation with us.”
Head of Events Department at QSL, Nasser talked about activities planned during the new season.
“The promotional activities began on August 4 and will last for five days at the Place Vendome Mall, with the participation of a number of stars from Ooredoo Stars League clubs. A specific plan has also been put in place to activate a number of marketing initiatives and programmes during the season’s matches, in cooperation with some partners and sponsors of QSL. There’ll be various activities with the aim of encouraging more fans to attend matches and providing them with a unique match-day experience,” Nasser said.