Curtains fell on the FIFA Referee Cup, held as part of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 in co-operation and co-ordination between the Qatar Stars League (QSL) and FIFA, at the Qatar SC Stadium. The tournament was in line with the preparations and arrangements for the referees officiating in the 2022 World Cup matches.

The tournament’s final was played on Saturday, November 26, 2022, between Al Duhail and Al Khor, in the presence of QSL CEO Mr. Hani Taleb Ballan and FIFA’s Director of Refereeing Mr. Massimo Busacca.

Al Khor emerged as the champions by defeating Al Duhail 8-7 on penalties after the regular time ended in a 1-1 draw.

Al Duhail surged ahead through Nam Tae-Hee in the 67th minute, but Ahmed Hassan Al Mohannadi equalized for Al Khor in the 78th minute and tie-breaker was enforced.

Mr. Hani and Mr. Massimo crowned Al Khor and felicitated Al Duhail.

Mr. Hani said, “I congratulate Al Khor on winning the championship and I hail Al Duhail, who were strong competitors in the final, as well as all teams that presented strong levels throughout the tournament right from the group stage. I take this opportunity to thank everyone who contributed to the success of this tournament, which achieved its goal, and thanks to the club companies, all partners and parties concerned.

He pointed out that the tournament was an appropriate opportunity to assess the readiness of referees and assistant referees involved in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 matches.

The tournament had 12 clubs divided into three groups – Group A (Al Gharafa, Umm Salal, Al Duhail, Al Khor), Group B (Al Markhiya, Al Arabi, Qatar SC, Al Shamal) and Group C (Al Rayyan, Al Wakrah, Al Sailiya, Al Ahli).

The first and second-placed teams from each group qualified for the quarterfinals, along with the two best third-placed teams in the group stage.