The Qatar Stars League, the highest professional football league in the state of Qatar would like to formally offer it’s condolences to Brazilian side Chapecoense who tragically lost members of their playing and coaching staff in an airplane disaster that took the lives of 77 people aboard.

Two members of the Chapecoense team had close links with Qatar, in the form of head coach Caio Junior who enjoyed a stint in charge of Al Gharafa and striker Bruno Rangel who played for Al Arabi.

Saad Al Shammari deputy head of football at Gharafa was a player under Caio Junior when the Brazilian took charge of the Cheetahs, leading them to the QSL title during the 2009-2010 season in what was the first of three stints in the Gulf.

“It’s a sad moment for the players at Al Gharafa club, Caio Junior was a fantastic coach for the club and more importantly a good man. He was always such a positive person in the club, and without his guidance we would have not won the league title that season. Everyone at Al Gharafa club offers their thoughts and prayers to everyone connected with Chapecoense at this time.”

Whilst Al Arabi took to their official website on Tuesday evening to offer condolences on the passing of former player Bruno Rangel who represented The Dream Team during the 2013/2014 season.

From everyone at the Qatar Stars League we offer our heartfelt condolences to everyone connected with Chapecoense during this difficult time.