Doha: Qatar Football Association (QFA) and West Asian Football Federation (WAFF) announced yesterday that Qatargas is supporting the much-anticipated 8th West Asian Football Federation Championship for Men by sponsoring the prize money for the first, second and third place winning teams.
Winners of the tournament will receive $300,000 in prize money, while the runners-up will get $200,000, and the third-place winners will be awarded $100,000, it was announced.
With the participation of nine national teams, this major football championship is set to kick-start tomorrow and run until January 7, 2014.
Participating teams in the championship include hosts Qatar, as well as Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Palestine, and Saudi Arabia.
Commenting on the occasion, Saoud Al Mohannadi, CEO of the championship said: “We thank Qatargas for their immense contribution to this key championship. This demonstrates that Qatargas and QFA focus significantly on the development of the football scene in Qatar. Qatargas’ support for the championship is greatly valued and it showcases that QFA and Qatargas are constantly seeking ways to build on the strong existing relationship through collaboration and support of different tournaments in Qatar.”
Fadi Zuraikat (pictured), General-Secretary of WAFF said: “We extremely thank Qatargas for their support in sponsoring the awards of the 8th WAFF Championship for Men. This illustrates how Qatargas values the importance of this key regional championship.
“We must also thank the Qatar Football Association in ensuring that this championship is organised to the highest level of standards,” he added.
Commenting on Qatargas’ support to the championshipGhanim Mohammed Al Kuwari, Chief Operating Officer – Administration, Qatargas said: “We are extremely happy to be involved withthe 8th WAFF Football Championship which brings together nine national teams from the WAFF member countries. Qatargas’ contribution by sponsoring the championship’s prize money demonstrates our commitment to encourage sports and be part of the State of Qatar’s efforts to be one of the world’s leading sports destinations. Our association with the game of football in Qatar forms part of Qatargas’ corporate social responsibility programme in the field of sports, in full alignment with the Qatar National Vision 2030. We are also delighted to cooperate with Qatar Football Association in successfully organising this championship on Qatar’s soil and we hope that our cooperation with QFA will continue to grow in the years to come.”
The value of the prize money in the last edition of the championship was $100,000, thus, this year’s grand increase to $600,000 is considered unique across all championships taking place in Asia region.
Since the year 2000, WAFF is the first ever regional federation in Asia to provide prize money for the first three teams.
The Peninsula
