Qatar Airways and Qatar Football Association (QFA) have renewed their partnership, naming the national carrier as the official airline for the next three years for the Emir Cup - an annual national competition among local football teams in Qatar.

The agreement was signed in the presence of Mansoor Mohammed Al Ansari, QFA secretary general, and Ehab Amin, senior vice president commercial - Qatar at Qatar Airways.

Amin said: "We are proud to be the official airline of the Emir Cup championship. Qatar Airways ' interest in this event stems from its significance of the cup both locally and regionally, and engaging in sport activities has become a major focus in contributing to Qatar's 2022 vision."

"Qatar Airways will organise several parallel activities to promote the Emir Cup and achieve further success based on the highest international standards. We believe that investment in sport events in Qatar is extremely important, and we hope that the 43rd edition of the Emir Cup will be one of the most exciting tournaments," he said.

Al Ansari added that he was pleased with the renewal of the partnership with Qatar Airways for three additional years to sponsor the first national team. "The renewal of the partnership is ideal, as the first team prepares for its participation in World Cup 2018 and Asia Cup 2019. The 43rd edition of the Emir Cup is also ready to kick-off on April 24," he said.

The Emir Cup marks the end of the QFA sport season which is widely popular in Qatar. The final will take place in Thani Bin Jassim Stadium (Al Gharafa Sports Club), accommodating 22,000 spectators. The Emir Cup matches will take place in five stadiums: Grand Hamad Stadium at Al Arabi Sports Club; Suheim Bin Hamad Stadium at Qatar Sports Club; Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium at Lekhwiya Club; Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium at Al Sadd Sports Club and Thani Bin Jassim Stadium (Al Gharafa Sports Club). – TradeArabia News Service