In the quest of achieving Qatar Stars League’s (QSL) vision to become the best league in Asia, and in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030, as well as the commitment to organize the first carbon neutral FIFA World Cup in Qatar in 2022, the QSL announced a new initiative aimed at becoming the first league in the world to be carbon neutral.

It will be made possible by working to reduce carbon emissions in stadiums and sports facilities during or not-during competitions and applying the highest standards as well as best practices that limit carbon emissions, in co-operation with the authorities concerned.

The initiative was announced after a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by QSL CEO Mr. Hani Taleb Ballan and Dr. Yousef Alhorr, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Gulf Organisation for Research and Development (GORD), on Monday, 10th February, 2020.

The MoU outlines co-operation in several fields to enhance activities aimed at combating climate change and promoting green initiatives that are environmental-friendly and the role QSL can play in those aspects, in addition to creating awareness of the best environmental-sustainability practices, and applying green building standards in accordance with the G system SAS Operations (GSAS), affiliated to GORD. The electronic portal will manage the project evaluation process that seeks to obtain GSAS accreditation and issue a certificate.

Co-operation will be witnessed in the field of institutional carbon footprint in accordance with the requirements of the Global Carbon Council (GCC) of GORD, a programme that works towards enhancing efforts to combat climate change and carbon fingerprint management processes worldwide.

Commenting on the initiative, Mr. Hani appreciated the Board of Directors of GORD, headed by Dr. Yousef, for their role in society and their efforts in promoting activities aimed at combating climate change, preserving the environment and promoting best practices of sustainability. He highlighted that the initiative originated from the QSL’s keenness towards serving the community by developing working-mechanisms to achieve common goals.

Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Dr. Yousef Alhorr said, “Sustainability as we know is no longer a passing trend. It is a pressing need of the day. Like other industries, sports sector has also realized the immense potential green practices hold.  Today, we are honored to collaborate with Qatar Stars League, and have no doubt in its transformative power. We are positive that this partnership will reap great rewards not just for the sports community but the entire society at large.”

On his part, Mr. Ahmed Khellil Abbassi, Executive Director of Competitions and Football Development at QSL, said, “In alignment with the Qatar National Vision 2030, at QSL, we take the environmental crisis seriously, acknowledge our ecological responsibility, and address it by taking actions that preserve the environment, promote sustainability and apply best practices to create a better future for generations to come through the passion for football. We seek to reach our goal of being the best league on and off the field and part of it is becoming the first league in the world to be carbon neutral to inspire other leagues, federations, sport clubs and organizations in Qatar and around the World to follow.”