The Qatar Stars League (QSL) launched the new football season (2021-2022), at the W Hotel, on Sunday, 5th September, 2021, in accordance with the precautionary measures and general guidelines for the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic and in the presence of Mr. Hani Taleb Ballan, CEO, Mr. Abdullah Ali Al Hammadi, Executive Director of Operations, Mr. Hassan Rabiah Al Kuwari, Executive Director of Sales, Marketing and Communication, and Mr. Ahmed Khellil Abbassi, Executive Director of Competition and Football Development at the QSL.

A number of prominent personalities and invitees also attended, including Brigadier Dr. Ali Khajim Al Athbi, Director of the Stadium Security department under Establishments and Authorities Department at the Ministry of Interior, Mr. Hamad Al Hajri, Co-Founder and CEO of Snoonu company, Mr. Majed Al Khulaifi, Editor-in-Chief of Doha Stadium and veteran media analyst at Al Kass Sports Channels, Mr. Khaled Jassim, prominent media figure and presenter of Al Majlis programme, and Captain Saeed Juma Al Hitmi from the Stadium Security department under Establishments and Authorities Department at the Ministry of Interior in addition to media representatives.

At the ceremony, the new official ball for the 2021-2022 season (Sadu) was unveiled, which was designed by the Branding Team of the Sales, Marketing and Communications Department of the QSL in co-operation with Derbystar company. The design was made by Qatari hands influenced by the Qatari heritage.

The new-look and revamped official website of QSL was unveiled on the occasion, keeping pace with the latest developments in the field of digital and electronic media.

On his part, Mr. Al Kuwari said, “I welcome all attendees and wish to highlight that, after the end of last season, an action plan has been drawn up in preparation for the new season (2021-2022), in cooperation with all partners, sponsors, clubs and stakeholders, to whom we thank and we appreciate all of them for their support, contributions and roles with us.”

He pointed out that new initiatives have been planned, including the development of websites for club companies in addition to the updated official website of QSL. He also talked about the new official ball (Sadu), saying, “For the first time, we’ve a special ball with a special design inspired by the State of Qatar and our heritage. We hope to continue working and co-operating with Derbystar in future.”

Mr. Abbassi also confirmed that preparations have been made for the start of the season in co-operation with clubs, partners and authorities concerned, and a meeting was recently held with the coaches to inform them of all arrangements. He stressed that this season would be exceptional because it precedes the 2022 FIFA World Cup and also due to the fact that the calendar was made taking into consideration various factors, such as the FIFA Arab Cup.

He reiterated that, starting from the beginning of April, 2022, the national-team players will be relieved from all local or Asian competitions with their clubs, as part of the team’s preparations for the World Cup and according to what was earlier announced.

He continued, “I expect a rise in the league’s technical level this season in the wake of recruitments made by the clubs and I wish everyone success.”

On his part, Captain Al Hitmi said, “Preparations are in full swing from the side of  Stadium Security department under Establishments and Authorities Department at the Ministry of Interior, and co-ordination is being made with the QSL. Meetings were also held as part of arrangements for the new season.”