Doha: The first edition of the Qatargas U-23 League will kick off on September 16, the Qatar Football Association (QFA) announced at a press conference on Thursday.
A total of 12 teams will feature in the new league that has been devised to prepare the young players for top-flight football in the country.
Officials of QFA and Qatargas were present during the press conference.
“The first edition of the Qatargas U-23 League is a new initiative designed to develop youth football. We wish all the clubs and their players great success,” Hamad Saleh Al Mannai, Qatar football association, Director of competitions said on Thursday.
“This competition will give the U-23 players the chance they seek at this level. This league will prepare themselves for the rigours of top flight football,” Al Mannai added.
“The preparations for Qatargas U-23 have been underway since the end of last season,” said Khalid Mubarak Al Kuwari, Director of Marketing and Communication, QFA, said.
“The marketing and media plan has been developed in coordination with our partners in Qatargas and Al Kass to make this tournament a perfect match from all sides,” Al Kuwari said.
“We are thrilled to have the support of our title sponsor Qatargas,” Al Kuwari said.
“QFA’s relationship with Qatargas is one to cherish as our national sport moves forward at all levels in alignment with the QFA 2021 vision . We thank them for their support,” he added.
“The presence of a leading commercial brand such as Qatargas is one of the main objectives of our plans and we seek to continue it for a long period of time,” Al Kuwari said.
The 12-team league will be held over 22 weeks with a total of 132 matches scheduled every Monday and Tuesday.
QFA said Al Kass Sports Channel with broadcast the important matches.
The teams include Al Sadd, Al Rayyan, Duhail, Al Arabi, Al Gharafa, Qatar Sports Club, Umm Salal, Al Khor, Al Siliyah, Al Kharaitiyat, Al Markhiya and Al Ahli.
Source: qfa.qa