The 2017-18 season QNB Stars League witnessed much thrill, excitement and enthralling contests. In the end, Al Duhail emerged as victorious for the second time in a row and sixth in the history of the club, relaunched this season as Al Duhail after the merger of El Jaish with Lekhwiya.

The competition was fierce on the top as it was in the middle of the table or at the bottom.

Al Markhiya went back to the Second Division following their relegation, while Al Kharaitiyat earned the play-off against Al Wakrah for a spot in the top flight.

Against this backdrop, the Qatar Stars League Management’s (QSLM) senior officials reflected on the tournament that was renamed following the signing of a sponsorship agreement with the Qatar National Bank. They also congratulated the Al Duhail club management, players, technical staff and officials on the achievement.

QSLM’s Operations Executive Director Abdulla Ali Al Hammadi said, “We’ve witnessed with passion a lot of league fixtures this season and everyone saw the high levels of performance demonstrated by the players. We also saw the intense competition between the teams, be it on top, in the middle or at the bottom of the table till the final round. All clubs were keen on achieving good results and, in the end, Al Duhail emerged as the champions.

“I take this occasion to congratulate the Al Duhail club management, players, affiliates, technical staff, officials and fans on winning the league shield for the second consecutive time and sixth in their history.

“On our part, we collaborated with our sponsors and partners in order to deliver the QNB Stars League in such elegant and world-class manner, in line with our vision to be one of the top three leagues in Asia by 2020 and our mission to further enhance professionalism. We look forward to continuing the good work with our partners in the coming seasons.”

QSLM’s Marketing and Communications Department Acting Executive Director Hassan Rabea Al Kuwari opined, “The league was very tough this season and witnessed lots of close contests. On the organisational front, the relationship between the QSL and clubs reached high levels as we reaped rewards of the hard work by having a highly-successful season. We’ll make a fair assessment and work on the areas for improvement.

“There was huge and fruitful co-operation with our partners and sponsors, to whom I convey my thanks and appreciation for all their efforts throughout the season. Also, I would like to thank the media and the host broadcaster. We, at the QSL, are very keen to co-ordinate with our partners, sponsors and clubs in our bid to achieve our goals.

“The clubs are putting in their best efforts and we wish them the very best in the future seasons and competitions. My congratulations to all members of the Al Duhail club and wish them the best of luck in the AFC Champions League and other tournaments.

QSLM’s Competitions and Football Development Department Acting Executive Director Mohammad Ahmad Abdulla had this to say, “The league excitement grew this season after every week’s action. All teams fought hard to improve their positions. The fight to avoid relegation was also fierce. Al Markhiya got relegated to the Second Division and Al Kharaitiyat earned play-off right after much fight. And Al Shahania have been promoted to the top flight.

“Just as the teams sought to improve themselves, we always valued our partnership with the clubs and thank them for their co-operation in making the QNB Stars League a big success. We hope to keep working with all our partners in future. En route to winning the title, Al Duhail proved they were worthy winners. I wish them and also other clubs all success.”

QSLM’s Competitions Department Director Ahmed Al Adsani said, “The QNB Stars League was delivered very well at the technical level and the competition between all teams (even as I hail the performance of Al Duhail) was at a different level. I also wish the best for Al Markhiya who got relegated, unfortunately.

“I utilise this opportunity to appreciate all our partners (Ministry of Culture & Sports, Stadium Security, Qatar Red Crescent, sponsors and stakeholders) for their high co-operation with the QSLM to deliver the QNB Stars League in the best possible way.

“We look forward to working with our partners, and fulfil our objectives and ambitions in the coming season. I wish good luck to all clubs, on domestic and continental scenes, in the years to come.”