Qatar Stars League's Sales, Marketing and Communications Executive Director Hassan Rabiah Al Kuwari (second left), QSL Competitions and Football Development Executive Director Dr. Ahmed Khellil Abbassi (centre), Aspire Marketing and Communications Executive Director Nasser Abdullah Al Hajri (second right) and Captain Abdullah Masoud (right) from the Stadium Security Department of the Facilities and Authorities Security Department at the Ministry of Interior during a discussion at the launch. Pic: Mohamed Farag
Doha, Qatar: The Qatar Stars League (QSL) yesterday launched the much-anticipated 2023-2024 season, branded as Expo Stars League.
The grand launch which took place at the Marriott Marquis City Center Doha Hotel witnessed the presence of top QSL and Qatar Football Association (QFA) officials as well as all stakeholders, coaches of participating teams and some of the senior players.
A host of exciting announcements, including the official debut of the cutting-edge ball designated for this season, were made during the colourful event which also saw the attendance of QFA Vice-President Mohammed Khalifa Al Suwaidi, QSL CEO Hani Taleb Ballan, QFA General Secretary Mansour Al Ansari and Secretary-General of Expo 2023 Doha Mohamed Ali Al Khouri were among key officials at the ceremony.
Also during the launch, a panel discussion was attended by QSL Sales, Marketing and Communications Executive Director Hassan Rabiah Al Kuwari, QSL Competitions and Football Development Executive Director Dr. Ahmed Khellil Abbassi, Aspire Marketing and Communications Executive Director Nasser Abdullah Al Hajri and Captain Abdullah Masoud from the Stadium Security Department of the Facilities and Authorities Security Department at the Ministry of Interior. The officials shed lights on a number of key facts related to the preparations, while assuring smooth flow of operations to ensure the best for the fans.
Key preparations for the upcoming season took center stage, culminating in the unveiling of the brand-new Expo Stars League 2023-2024 season logo.
This unveiling was the result of a strategic partnership between the QSL and the Organising Committee for Expo 2023 Doha.
In an impressive collaboration with sportswear giant adidas, the QSL also introduced the official matchball, the state-of-the-art OCEAUNZ ball which boasts the latest advancements in football technology.
The eye-catching ball, sporting the QSL's signature and the adidas emblem, is set to elevate the level of play on the field.
Al Kuwari extended his best wishes for a successful start to the football season. He applauded the collaborative efforts of partners, stakeholders, and club entities, underscoring their collective endeavour to make this season an outstanding success at all levels.
Al Kuwari added, "We extend our gratitude to the Organizing Committee for Expo 2023 Doha for their remarkable partnership. The alignment of this collaboration with the Qatar National Vision 2030 makes us even more excited to witness the Expo's success."
Meanwhile, Abbassi said the League has come a long way since its inception and now the value of the League exceeds €250m in total value.
He also predicted the new season to be highly exciting thanks to the change of dynamics of the sport.
"First of all I think we've seen in this summer, a big change in the dynamics of world football. A lot of things have changed. We have our own philosophy and of course, which we have announced two years ago and focuses a lot on talent,"Abbasi said.
"When we say talent is not just about footballers, about players, but it's also about coaches, managers, administration, and it goes all the way into the ecosystem of football. So we have, four new coaches and we have also now the youngest coach at the age of 37 Poya (Asbaghi) of Al Shamal. We believe all of our 12 coaches fit in the philosophy that we have planned and we're moving forward,"Abbasi said.
"I think this is going to be a very interesting league this season. We've had a very tough summer preparing for the upcoming the upcoming season, and we're going to have an interesting league. But also we have an AFC Champions League matches throughout the season, which we have included into our plan. And by the end of the season we're going to first finish all the matches of the league and then we will play Qatar Cup and the Amir Cup."
Meanwhile, Aspire official Al Hajri expressed readiness for the matches to unfold. Al Hajri emphasised the seamless coordination with QSL's operational team and highlighted Aspire's logistical contributions to ensure the tournament's smooth execution. He extended his well wishes for a captivating and successful season, inviting fans to revel in the matches set to take place in the iconic World Cup stadiums.
Captain Masoud underlined the meticulous preparations underway by the Stadium Security Department, stressing the importance of adhering to security instructions to enhance the overall fan experience.
With the stage set for an action-packed season ahead, football enthusiasts and sports aficionados can eagerly anticipate thrilling matches, advanced technology, and a seamless blend of sports and innovation in the Expo Stars League's 2023-2024 season.
