Fans from around the world will converge in Doha today, as Qatar Airways brings together superstar football teams FC Barcelona and Al-Ahli Saudi FC to compete in the first ever Match of Champions, to win the Qatar Airways Cup.  

The football giants, both sponsored by Qatar Airways, will play a friendly match in Al Gharafa Stadium on December 13, 2016.

During a pre-match press conference, hosted by Qatar Airways group chief executive Akbar Al Baker and vice president of the Organising Committee Hassan Al Thawadi, the stunning design of the Qatar Airways Cup trophy was revealed for the first time.

The trophy, handmade in Doha and cast in 18 carat gold, was designed by a team from Qatar Airways, taking inspiration from the modern aircraft they fly. It reflects the global unity that sport inspires, and signifies the reward for teamwork, effort and determination.

Speaking at the press conference, Al Baker said: “Qatar Airways believes in sport as a source of inspiration and a symbol of international unity, as teams and their supporters come together from around the world to celebrate the determination and spirit that is required to win. We are exceptionally proud to not only support two iconic teams through our sponsorship of FC Barcelona and Al-Ahli Saudi FC, but to bring these two beloved teams together for what we are sure will be a phenomenal match – a Match of Champions, no less – with the worthy winner able to lay claim to the Qatar Airways Cup.

“Fans from around the world have chosen to fly in to Doha with Qatar Airways to watch this iconic match. As Qatar’s national carrier, it gives us a great sense of pride to give these international travellers their first taste of our infamous Qatari hospitality before they touch down in the country for this exciting event. This match would not have been possible without the expertise and dedication of the Qatar Football Association and we thank them warmly for their generous assistance,” he said.

Al Thawadi said: “The enormity of this match is a testament to Qatar’s growing standing as the home of international football in the GCC, where the world’s greatest players are converging to bring world-class competitions to the region. It is also a significant marker in our journey towards 2022 when we will proudly host the 2022 FIFA World Cup.”

“Through the Social Development pillar of the Qatar National Vision 2030, our leadership aims to promote sport as a physical activity, particularly amongst the nation’s youth. By bringing such popular sporting heroes to their doorstep – such as the legendary players of FC Barcelona and Al-Ahli Saudi FC – we are enabling sports fans to live their football dreams, and are inspiring them to follow in the footsteps of their favourite players. For this, I would like to thank Qatar Airways for their continued support in not only facilitating global-level events such as these, but for contributing to the well-being and social development of Qatar.”

Tickets for the match sold out within hours as each batch was released with purchases made from around the world, with a full capacity stadium of 18,000 people set to attend the match. Football fans from as far as Thailand and Singapore will fly into Doha especially for this premium match, truly cementing Qatar’s position as a leader in sporting entertainment. - TradeArabia News Service