FROM LEFT: Rashid Al Khater, Director of Operations, Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the Amir Cup 2021 final; Jamal Al Ansari, Assistant Manager of Roads Operations and Maintenance Department, Ashghal; Maj. Abdullah Al Ghanim, Representative of the S
Doha: The Amir Cup finals have always been memorable but the upcoming showdown of the 49th edition of the hugely popular tournament between football giants Al Sadd and Al Rayyan at the brand new Al Thumama Stadium will be special for many reasons.
It will be a historic day for Qatar as the FIFA World Cup 2022 host country will mark the completion of the sixth tournament-ready stadium after Khalifa International, Al Janoub, Education City, Ahmad Bin Ali and Al Bayt stadiums in October 22’s Amir Cup final.
Yesterday, organisers of the Amir Cup final confirmed that the 40,000-seater Al Thumama Stadium will operate at 100% occupancy to host the two clubs, having huge fan base. COVID-19 protocols will be followed, they said.
The final, to be attended by a large number of spectators, will also mark the return of normalcy in Qatar since the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted sports events in the country last year.
“It would be a great experience for fans and we all are excited for this big match,” Rashid Al Khater, Director of Operations, Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the Amir Cup 2021 final, told reporters on the sidelines of LOC’s press conference at the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC), yesterday.
Al Khater said the organisers received a massive response to ticket sales, which started last month.
“Al Thumama Stadium will be at full capacity for the Amir Cup final, which I feel will be one of the best finals in history. It will be the first time that such a large number of fans will attend a sports event since the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s obviously a challenge for us to host huge number of fans but we are confident of succeeding in this challenge,” said Al Khater before adding preparations are on track to organise the title-deciding match.
“Al Thumama Stadium is one of the venues of the FIFA World Cup 2022 and the Amir Cup final will be the first opportunity for enthusiasts to attend the match at this amazing venue, which is one of the best in the world,” Al Khater added.
Earlier during the press conference, Jamal Al Ansari, Assistant Manager of Roads Operations and Maintenance Department at Ashghal; Maj. Abdullah Al Ghanim, Representative of the Safety and Security Committee, LOC of the Amir Cup 2021 final and Abdulla Ali Al Mawlawi, Communication and Public Relations Director, Qatar Rail also spoke, apprising media about the arrangements for the final.
“Best arrangements will be ensured to conduct the final smoothly. There will be parking lots and overhead pedestrian bridges and many other arrangements. Our teams will be ready during the final for the smooth conduct,” said Al Ansari.
He said roads around the Al Thumama Stadium will be closed twice, with alternate arrangements ensured. The first closure will be from 2am on October 15 to 2am on October 16 while the second closure will be in effect from 4pm on October 20 till 11:59, October 22.
While briefing about safety arrangements, Maj. Abdullah said fans are prohibited to bring stuff like glass bottles, chargers and flammable material inside the stadium.
“I would like to request fans to reach the stadium early to avoid inconvenience. We also advise them to follow directives of officials on duty on the day of final,” he said.
Al Mawlawi, meanwhile, informed that bus shuttle service for fans using Doha Metro will be available, with operation starting at 3pm on October 22. He said metro services will be free of charge for fans carrying Fan ID.
Meanwhile, SC said, to be eligible to attend the Amir Cup 2021 final, fans are required to be: Fully vaccinated against COVID-19 – having received their second dose no later than 7 October 2021, with an Ehteraz app that displays a golden frame or recovered from COVID-19 within one year from 22 October 2021 – with proof provided.
Fans under age 12 are required to take a rapid COVID-19 test in a certified medical centre within 24 hours of the match kick-off time. Proof of a negative test result will then need to be shown at the stadium gate on matchday.
