Latest news with #QatarCup


Qatar Tribune
3 days ago
- Sport
- Qatar Tribune
QBF approves 2025-26 season agenda, new system for men's league
Tribune News Network Doha The Board of Directors of the Qatar Basketball Federation (QBF) approved the programme for 2025-26 season besides a new system for the men's league during the second meeting held at the federation's headquarters on Wednesday. The meeting was presided over by QBF President Mohammed bin Saad Al Mughaiseeb and attended by Saadoun Sabah Al Kuwari, QBF Secretary General, and Ahmed Yousef Mohammed Mubarak Al Darwish, QBF Assistant-Secretary. The meeting also featured board members: Abdullah Sultan Al Jaber, Abdulrahman Hamad Mohammed Al Mana, Mishaal Abdullah Yousef Al Malki, and Zahra Majed Burhan Al Zaidan, the sole female member on the board. Mohammed bin Saad Al Mughaiseeb expressed his gratitude and appreciation to the board members for their significant contributions during the 2024-25 sports season. Several critical topics were discussed during the meeting, particularly the approval of the agenda for the upcoming 2025-26 season, a detailed presentation of the national teams' forthcoming foreign participation schedule, and a dialogue regarding the implementation of the strategic plans previously established by the Federation to enhance the game, broaden its reach, and improve its visibility both locally and internationally. The federation approved several vital decisions, including the discussion and endorsement of the Competitions Committee's recommendations and the establishment of the calendar and activities for the forthcoming season. Additionally, the federation introduced new modifications to the men's league competition considering the unique characteristics of the impending phase as Qatar prepares to host the prestigious 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup, which is set to take place for the first time in the Middle East and North Africa region from August 27 to September 12, 2027. The new men's league system is set to be implemented across all clubs associated with QBF in the near future. As per the sanctioned schedule, the men's general basketball league is scheduled to take place from October 25, 2025, to February 16, 2026. The initial round of matches will be held between October 25 and December 25, 2025, while the subsequent round of matches to take place from December 31, 2025, to January 29, 2026. The semi-finals are planned for February 5 to 9, 2026, and the final round is slated from February 12 to 16, 2026. Following this, the Qatar Cup for men will commence from February 23 and continue till March 9, 2026. The principal men's tournaments will conclude with Amir Cup, scheduled from March 26 to April 23, 2026. The Under-19 league is set to run from September 15, 2025, to May 28, 2026. It will consist of two segments: the first from September 15 to December 1, 2025, and the second from January 20 to May 28, 2026. The U-19 Qatar Cup is scheduled for May 4 to 27, 2026. The league for Under-16 will take place from September 14, 2025, to May 26, 2026, and will also be divided into two segments: the first from September 14 to November 30, 2025, and the second from January 18 to May 26, 2026. The Qatar Cup is scheduled to take place from May 3 to May 26, 2026, while the Qatar Cup for Under-16 will be from March 30 to May 23, 2026. The U-14 league's first section will be held from September 13 to November 29, 2025, whereas the matches for the second division will be held from January 17 to April 25, 2026. Additionally, the Qatar U-14 Cup is planned for May 2 to May 25, 2026. The seasonal agenda further encompasses the organization of sports festivals aimed at younger age groups, specifically Under-9 and Under-12, from November 1, 2025, to May 16, 2026. This initiative is part of the association's commitment to fostering a culture of the game from an early age. As for women's basketball, it was decided to conduct festivals for girls from January 17 to February 10, 2026. The Under-15 Girls League is scheduled from January 16 to May 25, 2026, and the Under-18 Girls League will take place during the same time. The Women's General League is also set to be held from January 17 to May 25, 2026. At the end of its meeting, QBF reiterated its unwavering dedication to executing its development plans and annual calendar in alignment with the highest organizational standards. The commitment aims to fulfill the aspirations of the Qatari basketball community and to enhance the preparedness of national teams and clubs for forthcoming local and international events, particularly the hosting of 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup.


The South African
4 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
BaaBaas recruit All Black rejects for Springbok showdown
The Barbarians have reportedly brought in two prime All Blacks stars for Saturday's Qatar Cup clash against the Springboks in Cape Town. Mark Telea and Hoskins Sotutu arrived with the Barbarians in Cape Town ahead of their historic clash with the Springboks at Cape Town Stadium. This after the duo failed to make the All Blacks squad for the mid-year Test series against France. Telea and Sotutu, fresh off a dominant Super Rugby campaign with the Blues — where they combined for 21 tries – touched down in the Mother City alongside several international standouts. A social media post showed them arriving with fellow New Zealanders Tawera Kerr-Barlow and veteran lock Sam Whitelock, as well as Uruguayan scrumhalf Santiago Arata and France hooker Camille Chat. Whitelock, 36, joins the Barbarians as an assistant coach. He holds the record for the most Rugby World Cup appearances (26) and played in three finals during a decorated 153-Test career. His last appearance for the Barbarians came in their 45-32 win over Fiji in 2023. Telea, known for his elusive running and finishing ability, has scored 13 tries in 19 Tests for the All Blacks and will be a key attacking threat. Sotutu, meanwhile, continues to build a reputation as one of the most powerful back-rowers in the game. Barbarians coach Robbie Deans has already assembled a strong squad featuring Irish greats Peter O'Mahony, Cian Healy, and Conor Murray, along with All Blacks loose forwards Sam Cane and Shannon Frizell. The Springboks will host the Barbarians on South African soil for the first time, with the Cape Town clash marking the ninth meeting between the two sides. Their last encounter ended in a thrilling 31-31 draw at Wembley Stadium in 2016. The match promises to be a showcase of international talent and flair, with the Barbarians bringing their trademark attacking style to face Rassie Erasmus' disciplined and physical Springbok side. WHO DO YOU THINK WILL WIN THE MATCH BETWEEN THE BARBARIANS AND SPRINGBOKS? Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.


Qatar Tribune
27-05-2025
- Sport
- Qatar Tribune
Al Duhail part ways with coach Galtier after contract ends
Tribune News Network Doha Al Duhail have parted ways with French coach Christophe Galtier following the expiration of his contract, the Qatar Stars League (QSL) club announced on Tuesday. The former Paris Saint-Germain coach joined Al Duhail in October 2023, replacing Argentine tactician Hernan Crespo. 'The management of Al Duhail Sports Club extends its sincere thanks and appreciation to the technical director of the first football team, Mr. Christophe Galtier, and his assistant staff, following the end of his contract with the club. We wish them all the best in their next endeavors,' Al Duhail said in a statement on X. Al Duhail ended the season without a trophy, finishing as runners-up in both the QSL and the Qatar Cup, with Al Sadd claiming both titles. They were also eliminated from the Amir Cup at the quarter-final stage after a loss to Al Rayyan.


Qatar Tribune
27-05-2025
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
Qatar Stars League and Doha Bank sign sponsorship agreement
Tribune News Network Doha The Qatar Stars League (QSL) announced the signing of a three-season sponsorship agreement with Qatar's leading bank Doha Bank as the official sponsor of QSL and official banking partner of Qatar Cup. The agreement reflects the commitment towards leveraging the capabilities available to both entities and achieving common goals. On the occasion, HE Jassim bin Rashid Al Buenain, President of QSL, said, 'In our commitment towards developing our tournaments, particularly on the commercial and marketing fronts, through co-operation with national companies and institutions, we're pleased to announce the signing of a new sponsorship agreement with one of the leading banks in Qatar and the region, Doha Bank, a prestigious banking institution. 'We're proud of this strategic partnership and look forward to achieve our goals and serve Qatar's professional football and QSL tournaments. In this regard, I can only extend my thanks and appreciation to the management of Doha Bank, and I wish them continued success.' On his part, Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Fahad Al Thani, Group CEO of Doha Bank, said, 'We, at Doha Bank, are pleased to co-operate with QSL to support national sports activities and benefit from distinguished national talent in this field. This is part of our social responsibility and our role in supporting various sports.'


The Star
27-05-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Soccer-Al-Duhail part ways with French coach Galtier
FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - Ligue 1 - Paris St Germain v Clermont - Parc de Princes, Paris, France - June 3, 2023 Paris St Germain coach Christophe Galtier before the match REUTERS/Benoit Tessier (Reuters) -Al-Duhail's French manager Christophe Galtier has left the club after they decided not to renew his contract, the Qatar Stars League outfit said on Tuesday. The 58-year-old's Al-Duhail side finished second in the league, two points behind Al-Sadd, who beat them in the Qatar Cup final on penalties. They also exited the Emir Cup early. "The management of Al Duhail Sports Club extends its sincere thanks and appreciation to the technical director of the first team, Mr Christophe Galtier, and his coaching staff following the end of his contract with the club. We wish them all the best in their next endeavors," the club said on X. Al-Duhail appointed former Paris St Germain manager Galtier in October 2023 to replace Argentine Hernan Crespo. (Reporting by Ashraf Hamed Atta; Editing by Ken Ferris)