AFC Associations Committee reinforces commitment to elevate MAs and RAs

 AFC Associations Committee reinforces commitment to elevate MAs and RAs

 

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC)’s ambitions to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and good governance through closer collaboration with its Member Associations (MAs) and Regional Associations (RAs) was further reiterated at the 1^st AFC Associations Committee meeting for the 2023 to 2027 term held virtually today.

While the Committee, led by Chairperson Hachem Haidar, acknowledged the commendable progress made by the AFC’s MAs and RAs in the areas of governance and administration, members also lauded the pivotal role of the AFC’s tailor-made initiatives in uplifting the Asian game across all levels.

The Committee noted the ever-strengthening spirit of partnership between the AFC and its members, which was emphasised by the 28 physical MAs’ and RAs’ Congresses attended by the AFC since September last year. Additionally, the AFC also attended a total of 27 MAs’ and RAs’ Congresses via video conference.

Chairperson Haidar stressed the importance of continuing the coordination and cooperation within the Asian football family as the AFC strives to retain its status and overarching Vision as a model Confederation in world football.

He said: “The AFC has outlined bold ambitions for Asian football and our collective aspirations to be a leading Confederation can only be achieved by strengthening our Member Associations and Regional Associations.

“Through a targeted and customised approach, we are confident that our MAs and RAs will strengthen the landscape of Asian football, both off and on the pitch.”

As part of efforts to ensure the AFC’s MAs and RAs continue to adopt the industry’s best governance practices, members of the Committee were also pleased to note that the Confederation had completed or was in the midst of completing the statutes revision process for 43 MAs, with all five RAs also concluding the foundationally vital exercise.

Chairperson Haidar added: “Transparency and accountability are the hallmark of all professional sports organisations, so I am delighted that so many of our MAs and RAs have wholeheartedly embraced the statutes revision process.

“This is another clear sign not only of the progress we have made together, but also the strong foundations established for Asian football to thrive in the coming years.”

QBF reviews preparations for Arab Clubs Basketball Championship

 

QBF reviews preparations for Arab Clubs Basketball Championship

 

The forthcoming Arab Clubs Basketball Championship, which is the 35th edition of the tournament, will be organized by the Qatar Sports Club and is scheduled to take place in Doha from October 1 to October 12.

The Organizing Committee, chaired by Saadoun Sabah Al-Kuwari, Secretary General of the Qatar Basketball Federation (QBF), convened a meeting to review the latest preparations for the tournament.

The event will feature 18 teams divided into groups, with the Qatari basketball club representing the tournament organizer alongside Al Ahli Club.

During the meeting, which was held in the meeting room of QBF, the committees responsible for marketing, transportation, media, tournament facilities, public relations, and ceremonies presented their latest progress reports and proposed plans for implementation. The meeting was attended by Mohammed Al Shuraim, Director of the Tournament, representatives of Qatar Club, and the heads of the committees in the tournament.

The championship matches will be held in two halls to accommodate the large number of matches, in addition to the training halls. During the preliminary round, eight matches will be held per day. QBF Secretary General Al Kuwari confirmed that the federation will provide all the technical, administrative, and organizational capabilities and expertise required for the tournament, in a manner befitting the Qatari basket and Qatari sports, under the directives of sports leaders.

The Arab Basketball Federation has approved the list of clubs participating in the tournament, which includes 18 teams, namely: Al-Ahly and Qatar Club (Qatar), Al-Ahly, the runner-up of the last edition, Al-Ittihad of Alexandria (Egypt), Beirut and Al-Riyadi (Lebanon), Kuwait, the defending champion, Al-Qadisiyah (Kuwait), Sana’a Unit (Yemen), and the Libyan Al-Ittihad. The services of the Palestinian Bureij, the Omani Seeb, the Bahraini Muharraq, the Syrian Central Army, the Algerian Sports Federation, the Saudi Conquest, the Moroccan Majd Tanga, and the Iraqi Dijla University will also be available. The tournament promises to be a successful and distinguished event, especially after the increase in the number of participating clubs from 16 to 18.

Aspire Academy squash graduate Abdulla Al Tamimi targets Asian Games Gold

 Aspire Academy squash graduate Abdulla Al Tamimi targets Asian Games Gold

Qatar Squash star and Aspire Academy Graduate Abdulla Al Tamimi says that he is targeting gold at September’s Asian Games in Hangzhou, China as he prepares for the Paris Squash 2023 event that began on Sunday 27 August.
The Asian games, which were postponed from last year due to Covid-19 restrictions, are due to start on 23 September, with the squash events starting three days later.
As well as the Professional Squash Association (PSA) event in France Al Tamimi will also compete on home soil at the Q-Terminals Qatar Classic from 9 September.
The events are the latest after his recovery from hip surgery in March that saw him miss the last few months of the squash season.
“All the focus this year is on the Asian games at the end of September,” he said, after competing at a PSA tournament in Canada, which was his first in almost 6 months.
“My summer training and the Professional Squash Association (PSA) tournaments before that are working towards getting ready and being in the best shape as possible for those Asian Games.”
“After that, I will worry about getting my ranking back as it has dropped from 17 to 29 due to being out of competition for 6 months.”
He paid tribute to Aspire Academy for its continued support for him.
“Aspire Academy has been helpful all the time... since 2006,” he explained.
“I have been been looked after since the surgery that I had in London, as it was emergency surgery, and I was lucky enough to have my physio from Aspire with me the whole time there.”
“Even after the rehab Aspire have been helpful too as they sent the physio with me to my first camp after surgery which helped me a lot to recover quicker.”

The graduate admitted that he has very mixed emotions about the last few months after reaching a career-high 17 on the PSA rankings before injury cut short his season.
“Last season is something that I’m really proud of, to be honest,” he insisted.
“I had a lot of people doubting whether I could succeed after becoming the father to two kids and how hard it is to manage family life and a professional sports career.”
“Last summer’s training was really good, and it paid off as I jumped from 48 in the world to 17 in the first half of the season.”
“I had to go for surgery, which was heartbreaking, especially with the way I was playing and competing, but again I always remind myself everything happens for a reason.”
“It could even be a blessing in disguise as I had time out and spent some quality time with the family.”
Al Tamimi urged the current crop of Aspire Academy student-athletes to not give up when confronted with setbacks like injury.
“Always keep fighting through hard times, because when you get through them nothing will seem hard anymore and you will find everything is easier,” he urged the student-athletes.
“Put in the hard work and believe in yourself first and then in all the people in your team trying to help you achieve your goals.”
“The most important thing for me is always to keep humble.”

Key principles of landmark AFC Women’s Champions League approved by AFC Women’s Football Committee

 Key principles of landmark AFC Women’s Champions League approved by AFC Women’s Football Committee

 

The AFC Women’s Football Committee underlined its determination to transform the Continent’s women’s club game at its first meeting today after it confirmed the entry principles, competition format and season calendar of the AFC Women’s Champions League, which will be introduced from the 2024-25 season.

Chaired by Kanya Keomany, members of the Committee, who met in Sydney, Australia just hours before the Final of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023, were unanimous in praising FIFA, Football Australia, and New Zealand Football for staging a truly spectacular global showpiece.

The Committee also hailed the performances of Asia’s teams, which once again showcased the world-class standards of the Continent’s traditional powerhouses as well as the commendable progress of newcomers Vietnam and Philippines.

Turning their attention to the launch of the AFC Women’s Champions League, the Committee agreed to revise the implementation timeline of the club licensing criteria for the AFC Women’s Champions League, which will now be enforced from the 2028/29 season to better accommodate a more feasible transition time for participating clubs.

The Committee also approved the entry principles of the breakthrough tournament, which will see one entry per Participating Member Association from the 2024/25 to 2027/28 seasons.

In determining the direct slots to the Group Stages, the Member Associations’ FIFA Ranking will be used, while Preliminary Stage may be organised between clubs from lower ranked Member Associations depending on the number of entries. Subsequently, from the 2028/29 season, the considerations for slot allocation will be in accordance with the AFC Women’s Club Competitions Ranking and Women’s Club Licensing criteria.

The Entry process will be opened to all Member Associations, who will need to meet a set of criteria to be included in the Competition Regulations, which will be approved by the AFC Women’s Football Committee in due course

Fifth batch of AFC Football Management Certificate graduates move towards leadership excellence

 The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) today celebrated the completion of its fifth edition of the Football Management Certificate (FMC) programme, which equips participants with the skills required to impact the game across all levels as future leaders.

This edition saw 41 participants graduate from the game-changing initiative after going through a six-month curriculum that focuses on core areas of management and uses bespoke modules to share knowledge and strengthen individual capabilities to undertake daily management operations.

To date, 180 individuals from AFC Member Associations (MAs), Regional Associations (RAs) and independent stakeholders have graduated since the first edition of the programme in October 2021. Distinguished students have since embarked on careers in the AFC, while others have made great strides within their respective MAs, RAs and the global football ecosystem.

Crucially, every participant has come away from the programme with the know-how that will prove invaluable in enabling them to set new standards of excellence to uplift the game across the globe.

The FMC features a total of 290 study hours and requires participants to attend virtual lectures and discussions, complete assessments and present business projects. Some of the nine primary modules in the curriculum include the Organisation of World Football, Strategic Management, Income Generation, Media & Communications and Child Safeguarding.

Carmelita Afonso, Child Safeguarding Officer at Federação Futebol De Timor-Leste (FFTL), noted that the modules were not only informative and well designed, but had also been professionally presented by the respective domain experts in their fields.

“I was struck by the determination and commitment of programme facilitators, and by their wealth of experience,” she said. “They brought the modules to life and helped us realise just how much a good leader needs to know to make a difference to affairs on and off the pitch.”

For Shaun Evans, a professional referee from Football Australia, going through the FMC provided him an all-inclusive body of information that ranged from recruitment and financial strategies to ensuring the sustainability of entities related to the game.

“This is the ideal start for anyone looking to advance in football administration, or in any management field,” he said. “I am also happy that the programme emphasised not only professional growth but personal as well, as the qualities needed to succeed are similar.” 

AFC Deputy General Secretary of Member Associations, Vahid Kardany, congratulated the graduates, saying: “All of you are ready to be part of the AFC’s Mission to provide beneficial services to maximise the potential of our MAs, RAs and the Asian football community.

“I urge you to use the knowledge you’ve gained to fulfil your aspirations. Add to what you have taken away from the FMC and apply a critical eye to issues that will enable you to meet your potential while pursuing actions in a transparent, professional and rationale manner.”

The FMC was introduced under the AFC Academic Centre of Excellence (ACE), an online platform launched in September 2021 and founded on the Confederation’s core values of excellence, innovation and passion for football education.

#AsianCup2023 adds world-class Lusail Stadium to elevate fan experience

 The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ Local Organising Committee (LOC) today confirmed that the opening match and eagerly anticipated Final of the upcoming edition of Asia’s crown jewel are set to be played at one of the largest match venues ever in tournament history.

 
The iconic Lusail Stadium, which most recently staged the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Final, will rise to the fore again by hosting the first match between defending champions Qatar and Lebanon in Group A on Friday, 12 January, 2024. The kick-off will now be at 7pm local time.
 
The AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ will return to the Lusail Stadium when it culminates in the Final on Saturday, 10 February, 2024 at 6pm.
 
With a capacity of 88,000, the Lusail Stadium will be one of the largest match venues in AFC Asian Cup™ history behind Tehran’s Aryamehr Stadium, which seated 100,000 spectators during the 1976 final between the Islamic Republic of Iran and Kuwait, and the 88,083-capacity Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta that hosted seven matches in 2007.
 
The addition of the world-class Lusail Stadium, which hosted 10 World Cup matches, will elevate the match-going experience for passionate Asian football fans in Doha as they get the opportunity to take in an architectural marvel that showcases the heritage and culture of Qatar, who are hosting the showpiece for a record third time.
 
The rest of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ will take place at eight other stadiums, as confirmed in April, including the Al Bayt Stadium, which was the original venue for the first and final matches.
 
Due to Lusail Stadum’s confirmation as the ninth venue, and considering key functional areas such as transportation, venue and match operations as well as pitch playability, among others, further changes have been made to the official match schedule of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™

Steady rise of the AFC’s brand lauded by AFC Marketing Committee

 The ever-growing affinity between the passionate fans of Asian football and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC)’s brand and competitions were the key focus at the 1^st AFC Marketing Committee meeting held virtually on Thursday.

Led by Chairperson Dasho Ugen Tsechup, the Committee recognised the positive findings of the Audience Research Data, which was conducted by Turnstile between December 2021 and May 2022. This was aimed at assessing the health of football and the AFC’s assets following a similar research initiative undertaken in 2018 and 2019.

The survey polled more than 10,000 respondents, aged between 16 to 64, across 10 major markets in Asia, namely Australia, China PR, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea Republic, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates and Vietnam.

The Committee noted that the total number of Football Fanatics, who are defined as the most important consumers of the sporting ecosystem representing approximately 80% of the revenues for all major sports, had risen by 14% since 2018.

Encouragingly, the findings pointed to Asia outstripping Europe and North America in the expansion of the Football Fanatics category whilst the total reach of those indicating ‘Any Interest’ in the AFC’s competitions exceeded the 2 billion mark out of an estimated population total of 2.38 billion.

Specific to AFC competitions, the report also outlined the considerable growth of the AFC Champions League™ and AFC Asian Cup™, both of which witnessed an increase of interest by approximately 8% and 7% respectively since 2018.

At the macro level, members of the Committee were pleased by the strong equity and affinity between Asian fans and the AFC’s competitions whilst also acknowledging that there is room for improvement in both appeal and brand associations amidst the backdrop of increasing competition in the entertainment offerings across most markets.

The Committee was also updated on the instrumental role of the AFC National Team and Club Competitions Brand Architecture in establishing a positive connection with the AFC’s brand and image; in particular, the launch of the logo of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ at the Official Final Draw ceremony in May was singled out for praise for its appealing and dynamic design.

Furthermore, the Committee were apprised of the series of on ground and fan engagement activations organised in the lead-up to the AFC Champions League™ 2022 Final, including the Influencer Engagement programme, which resulted in more than 96 million views and more than 30 million engagements across various digital channels.

There was also similar success in the Online Fan Quiz for both the East and West Regions, receiving more than 63 million impressions and reaching more than 28 million passionate fans – all of which played a pivotal role in generating greater excitement around the two-legged Final, which was attended by more than 100,000 passionate fans in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and Saitama, Japan.

Members of the Committee were also unanimous in noting the wide-ranging availability of the AFC’s competitions, thanks to a balanced approach of the AFC’s media rights strategy that seeks to optimise revenues, reach and brand building. There was a specific focus on the broadcast figures and coverage of the recently concluded AFC U20 Asian Cup™ Uzbekistan 2023, which achieved a cumulative reach of 66 million fans across linear TV and 9.7 million across digital channels in more than 110 countries and territories.

AFC announces Women's Champions League

 AFC Executive Committee approves biggest prize purse in Asian club football history from 2024/25; announces AFC Women’s Champions League

 

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Executive Committee today heralded a new era for Asian club football by unveiling the names of the three new club competitions alongside significant increases in funding for the 76 Participating Teams, as well as announcing the introduction of the AFC Women’s Champions League.

The three groundbreaking initiatives, which are aimed at propelling Asian football to new heights and fostering greater growth and inclusivity, will take effect from the 2024-2025 season.

Chairing the 2^nd AFC Executive Committee meeting, which was held virtually, the AFC President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa reinforced the Confederation’s commitment to establish a more commercially viable club landscape for its Member Associations (MAs) whilst strengthening the sense of affinity with Asia’s passionate fans.

The top tier of Asian club football, which will comprise the Continent’s top 24 participating clubs, will be named the AFC Champions League Elite (ACLE), while the 32-team second tier will be known as the AFC Champions League 2 (ACL2) and the final tier, which will see 20 clubs vie for supremacy, is confirmed as the AFC Challenge League (ACGL).

Furthermore, the ACLE champions are set to be awarded a total of USD12 million, marking a substantial increase compared to the USD4 million that the eventual victors of the prestigious continental club prize will receive in the upcoming 2023/24 season.

The losing finalist, on the other hand, will receive USD6 million, which represents a USD4 million increase from the forthcoming season in which the runner-up is set to pocket USD2 million. Both the ACL2 and ACGL will see boosts across the board in prize fund and benefits.

The AFC Women’s Champions League will feature top-notch action with eligible clubs from all AFC MAs receiving an invitation to participate with a financial distribution model, which will be announced in due course, in place. The AFC has successfully organised two pilot AFC Women’s Club Championship in 2021 and 2022 with the third edition scheduled to take place later this year.

Shaikh Salman said: “Our club competitions are already amongst the best and most lucrative in Continental football, and today the AFC is embarking on a new and historic era with these forward-looking initiatives in both men’s and women’s Asian club football.

“The AFC has outlined its ambitions to ensure our teams and players continue to shine through world-class competitions and a major part of this ambition is anchored on our promise to reinvest in our competitions, which is the lifeblood of development for all our Member Associations.

“The AFC has always held the belief that we have a duty to reward success and the increase in prize money and the travel contributions in recent years created a lasting impact on our clubs and we have every faith that the strategic reforms and the new funding model will further raise the intensity, stature and quality of the Asian club game,” added the AFC President.

“The AFC Women’s Champions League is a major step aligned with our strategy to provide a platform to showcase the talent of women players on a Continental stage and we are confident that the competition will empower women in Asian football, contributing to gender equality and breaking down societal barriers, to make a positive impact on the growth of the women’s game.”

The latest enhancements represent a series of significant investments directed towards the growth of the AFC's flagship club competitions in recent years.

The AFC Champions League™ saw its prize for the winners more than double from USD$1.5 million in 2015 to USD$4 million in 2018. Similarly, the AFC Cup™ winners’ purse has risen almost fivefold from US$350,000 in 2015 to US$1.5 million in 2018. In 2019, the AFC also doubled the travel contributions for both competitions across all stages.

The AFC Executive Committee also conveyed their best wishes to Australia for their FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Semi-final match against England on Wednesday, while complimenting the performance of Japan, who bowed out in the Quarter-finals, and the other Asian women’s teams – China PR, Korea Republic, Philippines and Vietnam – at the tournament.

Meanwhile, the recent decisions made by the AFC Medical Committee, the AFC Referees Committee, the AFC Finance Committee and the AFC Legal Committee were also ratified by the AFC Executive Committee.

AFC Professional Football Task Force to strengthen long term development of Asian clubs

 AFC Professional Football Task Force to strengthen long term development of Asian clubs

 

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Professional Football Task Force outlined its ambitions towards establishing a sustainable blueprint aimed at elevating the professional standards of Asian club football at its first meeting in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday. 

Led by Chairperson and former Korea Republic captain Park Ji-sung, the Task Force further emphasised the Confederation’s resolve, as underlined in its Vision and Mission, to ensure the continuous success of Asian teams on the world stage.

In light of the revamped three-tiered club competitions system which will take effect from the 2024/25 season, the Task Force reviewed the amendments suggested to the 2023 edition of the AFC Club Licensing Regulations. 

The Task Force was also briefed on the organisational structure of the Professional Football Department which has undergone significant enhancement in order to facilitate the introduction of new programmes to better assist Club Licensing administration in the Confederation’s Member Associations (MAs), thereby supporting the further development of Asian clubs. 

Additionally, besides sharing updates and trends pertaining to the activities conducted during the AFC Club Licensing Cycle of 2022-2023, a constructive dialogue was centred around charting the way forward for the gradual transformation of the Task Force to operate as a Committee in the near future. 

Yet another major highlight of the meeting was the discussion on the possibility of introducing a Homegrown Players Policy, the focus of which would be the long-term success of the Confederation’s MAs through the development of domestic youth players and establishment of a sustainable revenue model of clubs in Asia. 

“The success of our teams across our Member Associations is testament to the progress we have made in Asian football. As mentioned in the AFC’s Vision and Mission, our goal is to be a model Confederation and with the establishment of this Task Force, I am confident that we are on the right track,” said Park Ji-sung. 

“But to truly excel and bring Asian leagues up to the standards of the top leagues in the world, we now need to lay special emphasis on developing domestic youth players,” he added.

All decisions made by the Task Force must now be ratified by the AFC Executive Committee before being introduced.

FIBA Congress elects Qatar's Sheikh Saud Ali Al Thani as new FIBA President and appoints new Central Board members

 MANILA (Philippines) - The XXII FIBA Congress has elected a new President and members of the Central Board for the upcoming 2023-2027 cycle in Manila today.

Sheikh Saud Ali Al Thani, who succeeds Hamane Niang, in becoming the new President of FIBA, was elected unanimously by all in attendance. Sheikh Saud Ali Al Thani has been FIBA Vice President for the previous cycle, which began in 2019, and President of FIBA Asia since 2002, having formerly been President of the Qatar Basketball Federation and a Vice President of the Qatar Olympic Committee.

Sheikh Saud Ali Al Thani said upon his election: "It is a great honor to take over this responsibility: for me, for my country of Qatar, and for our continent of Asia. I now represent the interests of all 212 National Federations across all five Regions.

"Basketball is a global sport and this is our most important strength. I can only make one promise today and that is that I will work hard with the leaders of FIBA and the entire Central Board for the good of basketball and for the good of FIBA."

Mr. Ingo Weiss from Germany was re-elected for his third term as FIBA Treasurer.

The following are the members of the Central Board for the term of 2023 to 2027:

Ms. Carol Callan from USA

Mr. Yamil Alejandro Bukele Perez of El Salvador

Mr. Usie Richards of Virgin Islands

Ms. Yuko Mitsuya of Japan

Mr. Yao Ming of China

Ms. Carmen Tocala of Romania

Mr. Matej Erjavec of Slovenia

Mr. Asterios Zois of Greece

Mr. Tor Christian Bakken of Norway

Ms. Jubilee Kuartei of Palau

Mr. Burton Ross Shipley of New Zealand

Ms. Pascale Mugwaneza of Rwanda

Mr. Jean-Michel Ramaroson of Madagascar

These Central Board members, along with the newly elected President and Treasurer, will join FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis as well as the Presidents of FIBA's five Regions for the term of 2023-2027: Mr. Anibal Manave of Africa, Mr. Fabian Borro of the Americas, Dr. K Govindraj of Asia, Mr. Jorge Garbajosa of Europe and Mr. David Reid of Oceania for the new term.

The Central Board will appoint to the Central Board a representative of the National Basketball Association (NBA) of the USA and a representative of the players. In addition, the Central Board may co-opt additional members (with full voting rights) for the vision, skill and special expertise that they will bring.

The newly-formed Central Board will meet for the first time on Saturday, September 9 in Manila, on the occasion of the Finals weekend of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023.

HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Thani's Al Doha secures UAE President Cup (Gr1 P/A)

 

HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Thani's Al Doha secures UAE President Cup (Gr1 P/A)

 

Taking on six runners, of which four were colts, the four-year-old purebred Arabian filly Al Doha (FR) (Al Mourtajez x Topaze Du Croate) secured the biggest success of her career to date when landing the Gr.1 (PA) UAE President Cup - UK Arabian Derby - at Doncaster on Saturday, 19^th August, evening.

 

Carrying the colours of HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Thani and under the care of trainer Thomas Fourcy, the talented filly put in a career best effort to land the 2,000m contest for 4YO purebred Arabians under a masterful ride from Olivier Peslier.

 

A debut winner at Mont de Marsan, France, Al Doha followed up with a runner-up finish in a Gr2 and a Gr2 victory at Toulouse, France, on her third and fourth career starts in April and May this year. She, then, headed to Chantilly, France, where she finished second in a Gr1 in June. Al Doha went on to capitalise on her second placed finish at Chantilly by landing one of Europe’s most prestigious races for the purebred Arabians, the Gr.1 UAE President Cup - UK Arabian Derby at Doncaster.

 

Al Doha crossed the line with a neck to spare over Al Shaqab Racing’s homebred Ghadah (FR) (Azadi), who completed the one-two for the winning trainer Thomas Fourcy and was ridden by Jean Bernard Eyquem. The Athbah Racing-owned and Phillip Collington-trained Thakeera Al Shahania (QA) (Al Mourtajez) completed the frame as she was a further length and a quarter behind in third under Joanna Mason.

 

Al Doha left a powerful impression on her jockey, Olivier Peslier, who said after the race: “She finished second at Chantilly earlier this summer and ran a great race. She has followed up nicely here, which isn’t an easy thing to do against the colts. She’s tough, genuine, and still improving. I am very excited for what the future holds. I am delighted for Thomas Fourcy, who is such a talented trainer in every sphere and for his team at home”.

 

Al Doha was bred at Haras du Berlais by Al Shaqab racing.

The Springboks and All Blacks will vie for the new Qatar Airways Cup trophy in London on 25 August

 It is the first time the two teams have played at Twickenham Stadium since 2015

Qatar Airways resumes flights to Auckland, New Zealand on 1 September 2023

Doha, Qatar - One of rugby’s greatest rivalries, between South Africa and New Zealand, will be reignited at Twickenham Stadium later this month with the two nations playing for a brand-new trophy, the Qatar Airways Cup on Friday, 25 August at 7.30pm.

With Qatar Airways as Title Sponsor of this fixture, rugby fans from South Africa, New Zealand, the UK and around the world have the perfect means to attend this compelling match-up. The seven-time winner of the “World’s Best Airline” as voted by Skytrax, will take centre stage as the match Naming Rights Partner, and also be the broadcast partner for the Sky Sports coverage in the UK.

Qatar Airways facilitates the movement of rugby fans all over the world to watch their favourite teams compete. The airline flies to more than 160 destinations, including Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg in South Africa. It will also resume direct flights to Auckland, New Zealand on 1 September this year.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “Qatar Airways is honoured to be the Title Sponsor and Naming Rights Partner for this match at Twickenham Stadium, hosting one the greatest rivalries in competitive sports history. The South Africa and New Zealand teams are giants in the world of rugby and we are excited to be part of this journey, while uniting the fans before the start of world cup. Qatar Airways has a long history of supporting global sports, including rugby, Formula 1 and football. We believe in bringing people from all over the world closer together through travel and sport and are proud to continue the expansion of our sports partnership’s portfolio.”

TEG Rugby Live Managing Director, Stephen Cottrell, said: “This partnership with Qatar Airways for this historic match shows the significance of the game, the first time these two nations have played at Twickenham Stadium since 2015. The Springbok and the All Blacks are the last two world cup winners and genuine powerhouses in the game. We expect the match to sell out and encourage supporters to snap up the final few tickets so they don’t miss out on a rare opportunity to see these two nations head-to-head on English soil.”

The All Blacks won the latest clash between the two teams in the Rugby Championship beating the Springboks 35-20 in Auckland.

It has been eight years since the Springboks and the All Blacks met at Twickenham.

Qatar Airways is proud Title Sponsor and Naming Rights Partner of the Qatar Airways Cup - a match between current World Champions the Springboks and the All Blacks at Twickenham Stadium, London 25 August, KO 7.30pm.

Match information

Springboks v All Blacks

Friday 25th August 2023, KO 7.30pm (Local time)

Twickenham Stadium, London

For last remaining tickets:: www.eticketing.co.uk/rfu/events or https://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/event/35005D52BE1F72A6

Hospitality packages are available to purchase from £299 per person via www.twickenhamstadium.com

For Qatar Airways information and to book flights

Visit www.qatarairways.com

Qatar Airways Renews Partnership with Al Sadd Sports Club as Official Jersey Partner in a Multi-Year Year Partnership

 

Qatar Airways Renews Partnership with Al Sadd Sports Club as Official Jersey Partner in a Multi-Year Year Partner

ship

 

The award-winning airline teamed up with Qatar’s most successful football club since 2018

 

 

DOHA, Qatar – Qatar Airways is delighted to announce the extension of its enduring partnership with Al Sadd Sports Club, the most successful football team in Qatar's history, as the primary jersey partner in a multi-year deal. This renewal reaffirms the shared commitment of both organizations to the advancement of sports and excellence in football.

The partnership between Qatar Airways and Al Sadd Sports Club commenced in 2018, and over the years, it has demonstrated its strong foundation, further strengthening the bonds between the two entities. Through this association, Qatar Airways continues to show its dedication to supporting Qatar's sports community and fostering a positive impact on local and global football.

 

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive and Chairman of Qatar Tourism, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “We are proud to extend our collaboration with Al Sadd Sports Club. Their remarkable success in Qatar's football landscape aligns perfectly with Qatar Airways' unwavering commitment to excellence and success. Together, we aim to continue promoting football as a unifying force and contributing to the development of sports in Qatar and beyond.”

 

Qatar Airways as a brand is committed to supporting sports globally, helping fans travel to their favourite events around the world. The national carrier of the State of Qatar is the Official Airline of Formula 1® (F1), Paris-Saint Germain, the United Rugby Championship (URC) and European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) the IRONMAN and IRONMAN 70.3 Triathlon Series, CONCACAF,  and multiple other disciplines including Australian football, basketball, cricket, equestrian, motor racing, squash, and tennis.

 

-ENDS-

 

About Qatar Airways

The airline continues to be synonymous with excellence, also taking home, Best Airline in the Middle East, World's Best Business Class Lounge and World's Best Business Class Lounge Dining at the prestigious awards held during the 2023 Paris Air Show. Qatar Airways is an unprecedented seven-times winner of the “World’s Best Airline” voted by Skytrax (2011, 2012, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2021 and 2022).

 

Qatar Airways currently flies to more than 160 destinations worldwide, connecting through its Doha hub, Hamad International Airport, voted by Skytrax as the ‘World’s Best Airport’ in 2021 and 2022 consecutively. This year, Hamad International Airport has been ranked by Skytrax as the second-best airport in the world, and received the ‘Best Airport in the Middle East’ accolade for the ninth time in a row, as well as ‘World’s Best Airport Shopping’.

 

 

Qatar Airways, the Official Global Airline Partner of Formula 1® Unveils New Livery Ahead of FORMULA 1® QATAR AIRWAYS QATAR GRAND PRIX 2023

Qatar Airways revs up excitement with unveiling of new Formula 1® livery ahead of the FORMULA 1® QATAR AIRWAYS QATAR GRAND PRIX 2023

 

Celebrate the unmatched motorsport experience with Qatar Airways Holidays’ Ultimate F1® Fan Packages which include access to the Geneva International Motor Show in Qatar

DOHA, Qatar – As the Official Global Airline Partner of Formula 1®, Qatar Airways is delighted to announce its title sponsorship of the highly anticipated FORMULA 1® QATAR AIRWAYS QATAR GRAND PRIX 2023 which will be held from 6-8 October at Lusail International Circuit. To rev up the excitement and reflect its commitment to motorsport enthusiasts worldwide, the airline is thrilled to unveil its new Formula 1® livery painted on a specially branded Boeing 777 aircraft.

 

Qatar Airways’ leisure arm, Qatar Airways Holidays, is offering enthusiasts a unique experience at F1® races throughout the season, as well as the FORMULA 1® QATAR AIRWAYS QATAR GRAND PRIX 2023 through its exclusive Ultimate F1® Fan Package. The travel packages are designed to provide a seamless motorsport experience, with the inclusion of return flights, hotel accommodation, a wide range of passes including F1® Paddock Club and Grandstand race tickets, and much more.

 

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive and Chairman of Qatar Tourism, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “The months of October and November will deliver a collection of world-class automotive activities dedicated to fans around the world. As the Official Global Airline Partner of Formula 1, we are honoured to host international visitors to Qatar; once again delivering our unparalleled hospitality and bringing the world closer together through sport.”

 

Mr. Abdulrahman bin Abdullatif Al Mannai, President of the Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation and Lusail International Circuit, said: "I would like to take this opportunity to thank Qatar Airways, our Official Sponsor, for their support. The partnership between Lusail International Circuit and Qatar Airways will play a pivotal role in bringing together global FORMULA 1® fans in Qatar. Our new state-of-the-art track will ensure we deliver a seamless and unforgettable experience for local, regional, and international spectators. We look forward to welcoming F1 fans from all over the globe."

 

From 20 September - 10 October on select flights, Qatar Airways passengers can enjoy delicacies inspired by the airline’s partnership with Formula 1®. These branded menus reflect F1® themed desserts in Business and Economy Class, ensuring passengers’ taste buds experience an array of exciting flavours.

 

The Ultimate F1® Fan Package offers unforgettable experiences of Pit Lane walks, a guided track tour, and special events with select F1® drivers, bringing motorsport lovers close to the high-octane action. The unique package also provides fans with complimentary access to the renowned Geneva International Motor Show taking place for the first time in Qatar from 5-14 October, adding an extra touch of glamour to this unforgettable event. To secure these one-of-a-kind packages, fans can visit: qatarairways.com/F1.

 

Qatar Airways is committed to supporting sports globally, helping fans travel to their favourite events around the world. The national carrier of the State of Qatar is the Official Airline of Formula 1®, Concacaf, Paris-Saint Germain, the IRONMAN and IRONMAN 70.3 Triathlon Series, the United Rugby Championship (URC) and European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR), and multiple other disciplines including Australian football, basketball, cricket, equestrian, motor racing, squash, and tennis.