Qatar to host 8th West Asian Football Federation Championship

DOHA: Qatar will host the 8th WAFF (Men's) Championship from December 25 to January 7, 2014, officials from Qatar Football Association (QFA) and West Asian Football Federation (WAFF) announced here Thursday.

At their joint press conference held at QFA headquarters today, WAFF’s General Secretary Fadi Zuraikat and QFA General Secretary Saoud Abdulaziz Al Mohannadi signed an agreement here today that details QFA's role as the Local Organising Committee of the WAFF championship this year.

CEO of the Championship Saoud Al Mohannadi said, "We are very happy to announce the hosting of WAFF's 8th Championship for Men.

This championship is one of the most important events that the Qatar Football Association (QFA) will host this season.

"In co-ordination with the West Asian Football Federation (WAFF), QFA has allocated the competition, training venues, and official hotels and is ready to host the championship."

"All preparations are coming to an end and everyone involved is vigorously working to showcase this championship in a successful manner."

"Hosting this significant event showcases QFA's vision to regularly conduct regional championships that endeavour to spur the local and regional football scene."

"QFA's vision is to constantly strive to host different championships ahead of 2022 World Cup."

"Hosting the 8th WAFF Championship is a great example to show that we are in line with our vision."

Commenting on the major event, QFA President Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani said, "We hope that all teams take advantage of this championship as they prepare for the Asian Cup 2015 qualifiers.

Hosting the eighth edition of the championship testifies to our remarkable relationship with the WAFF and expresses our support to the vision of WAFF President and FIFA (Asia) Vice-President HRH Prince Ali Bin Al-Hussein who genuinely works for the growth and benefit of West Asian football.

The QFA will spare no effort to ensure that this championship is organized to the highest of standards, he added.

WAFF General Secretary Fadi Zuraikat said, "The organization of the 8th championship in Qatar is a quantum leap in the history of WAFF.

This edition of the championship attract great attention of the media, official and fans.

The future of this championship is bright and it is already one of the major events in the region.

The scheduled of championships was planned after a comprehensive study of all the continental and regional tournaments which will take place in 2014.

We decided to choose these dates since it is ideal for teams that are preparing for the AFC Asian Cup Qualifying matches, at the same time during this period, the domestic leagues are often suspended in the region, Zuraikat said.

The championship draw will be held November 11, he added.

Regarding WAFF's future vision, he said, "We are looking forward to AFC's recognition of AFC for all the four regional federations (WAFF, EAFF, SAFF, and ASEAN)."

"Each regional federation will look after the interests of its member associations, as well as reaching the phase where a number of regional federation's championships (Under 16, Women, Futsal) will be approved to be the qualifiers for the continental finals."


He stressed WAFF's role of pioneering in Asia women's futsal events and men's beach football championships. (QNA)
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