The Al Sadd star was one of three nominees announced by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) last week along with Kashima Antlers’ Yuma Suzuki and Kento Misao.
Influential Qatari defender Abdulkarim Hassan (pictured) will be eyeing the biggest honour to come his way at the AFC Annual Awards Muscat 2018 today.
The Al Sadd star was one of three nominees announced by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) last week along with Kashima Antlers’ Yuma Suzuki and Kento Misao.
The Japanese stars played key roles for J League side’s first-ever AFC Champions League title triumph earlier this month.
“It is a great honour for me and my club to be part of the three nominees at the AFC Awards,” Hassan said last week. “I want to thank my coaches and my team-mates for sticking with me over the years,” the 25-year-old added.
The stage is set for a dazzling night of celebration today at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre.
AFC President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa said in a statement posted on the www.the-afc.com website: “The AFC brings the stars of Asian football together for a celebration of their outstanding performances in a season which again has promoted the ever-improving standards of our game across this great continent.”
“Everyone who has been nominated for an award – whether it be a Member Association, a coach or a player – provides inspiration for the next generation in their field and leaves a legacy of excellence and achievement.
“And there is no better time to mark another successful year in Asia than now as we are just a few weeks away from the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 – which will be the biggest and best Asian Cup ever held.
“Asian football, thanks to our continued unity and strength, again has shown the world that our standards are rising.
“The AFC Champions League final between eventual winners Kashima Antlers and finalist Persepolis once again captivated the world as a record 100,000 fans showcased the undeniable passion for football in Asia. Those exploits and the stars of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup in Jordan feature on our list of nominees.
“I thank them all and offer my congratulations to our 2018 winners and those who were shortlisted. We should all applaud their achievements,” the AFC President said.
“Finally, I must extend my heartfelt appreciation to our wonderful hosts – the Oman Football Association - for the spirit of generosity, unrivalled hospitality and working diligently towards staging a spectacular ceremony – one truly befitting of another remarkable year of progress for Asian football.”
The ceremony will be attended by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, QFA chief Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa and Sheikh Saad bin Mohammed bin Said Al Mardhouf Al Saadi, Minister of Sports Affairs of Oman, it has been confirmed.
Football officials from 46 member countries of AFC along with dignitaries from Oman will also be attending. QFA officials will also attend the awards ceremony.
