The Qatar Stars League (QSL) announced the organisational arrangements for the Qatar Cup final between Al Duhail and Al Sadd, to be played at the Al Sadd Stadium on Friday, 17th January. The kick-off is at 5.30pm.

The arrangements were revealed at a Press conference at the Al Sadd club on Tuesday, 14th January, attended by Mr. Hassan Rabiah Al Kuwari, Executive Director of Marketing, Sales and Communication at QSL, Mr. Ahmed Al Sayed, Head of Football Operations at QSL, and Lieutenant Jaber Salem Al Athba from the Stadium Security Department of the Ministry of Interior.

Attendees and representatives of all media were welcomed, and organisational arrangements as well as procedures for the final match were reviewed.

Mr. Al Kuwari said, “In the beginning, we congratulate Al Duhail and Al Sadd clubs on reaching the final of sixth edition of the Qatar Cup, the cup of Pride and Glory, to which the QSL attaches great importance.”

He stressed the importance of media’s role in the success of events in general, noting that the final would be more noted technically owing to the presence of star players in both teams, be it Qatari players or overseas professionals.

Mr. Al Kuwari explained that the gates would be opened two hours prior to kick-off and also the event area the QSL is setting up for the public to meet their needs. He said tickets for the match were launched last Sunday at the outlets of clubs that were announced previously (Al Sadd, Al Duhail and Qatar SC) in addition to Doha Festival City and fans can buy tickets online through official website (tickets.qsl.qa), adding that nearly 60 per cent of the final match tickets had been sold.

He highlighted that up for grabs for fans were valuable prizes, including two cars as well as other prizes, and thanked sponsors of the tournament, Qatar Rail and stadium security, who are essential partners in all events. He appealed to the fans to co-operate with the security men to facilitate their entry and exit at the stadium.

On his part, Lieutenant Al Athba stressed the need for co-operating with the security men and urged fans to arrive two hours before kick-off to avoid crowding as well as check the list of prohibited items before entering the stadium.

Mr. Al Sayed confirmed the Al Sadd Stadium had been fully equipped to host the final and that a technical meeting with the two teams would be held on Thursday to complete the arrangements.

Regarding the change in kick-off time, he said the new time was suitable for everyone, players and fans alike, noting that he expected the two teams to provide high levels and the final would be a showpiece game because of the presence of star players on both sides.