Players maintaining distance between themselves as they wait for their PCR tests yesterday.
Players, coaches, technical and administrative staff underwent tests for coronavirus (COVID-19) as Qatar Stars League began first phase of protocol in its restart plan yesterday. The coronavirus tests developed by the Qatar Stars League and approved by the Ministry of Public Health, started at the Ali bin Hamad Al Attiyah Stadium yesterday, according to the general plan and in preparation for the resumption of training and matches of 2019-20 season QNB Stars League (QSL).
The testing procedure aims to reduce and control the risk of virus spreading between team members and players, as they return to training and action. It follows all preventive and precautionary measures. A number of players as well as technical and administrative staff underwent tests on the first day.
After completion of tests, they will return to their homes under self-quarantine until the test results come. The schedule of QSL matches in Weeks 18, 19 and 20 of the 2019-20 was announced on Sunday after co-ordination with the authorities concerned. The matches will be played at three stadiums having cooling technology - Education City, Al Janoub and Jassim bin Hamad.
The kick-off timings and venues of matches in the last two weeks (21 and 22) will be finalised later based on the results and standings of teams in the table, as the QSL is keen to provide all clubs with equal opportunities. In first QSL match after hiatus, Qatar SC will play their ‘home’ match against Al Rayyan on July 24 at Education City Stadium - brand new Education City Stadium, a venue that will host the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup matches, with kick-off set for 4:45pm.
Also on July 24, former champions and currently placed fourth on the points table, Al Gharafa will take on Al Arabi at Al Janoub Stadium - another 2022 FIFA World Cup venue that was inaugurated with fanfare for the Amir Cup final in May 2019.
Al Janoub Stadium hosted matches during the 24th Arabian Gulf Cup held in November-December last year. In the day’s last match, a round 18 clash between hosts Al Sadd and Al Khor will be played at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium, another venue with state-of-the-art cooling technology.
Al Duhail (42 points after 17 rounds) lead the points standings, with Al Rayyan (38) and Al Sadd (32) occupying second and third place. Al Gharafa (28) are in fourth spot.
