Al Rayyan World Cup Venue to Welcome Fans at 50% Capacity for Amir Cup Final

Doha, December 08 (QNA) - The Amir Cup Local Organizing Committee revealed that masses will be allowed to attend the final of the Amir Cup between Al Arabi and Al Sadd on December 18, at a capacity of 50% of Al Rayyan Stadium, the fourth FIFA World Cup venue. The Amir Cup Local Organizing Committee held a press conference on Monday at the conference hall of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, managed by Ali Al Salat, Head of Media Relations at the Local Organizing Committee. The conference revealed many matters related to the final match and the health arrangements that had been taken in order to preserve the safety of everyone amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Advisor to the Minister of Public Health for Sports and Emergency Affairs Dr. Abdul Wahab Al Musleh said that fans will be able to attend the opening of Al Rayyan Stadium, the fourth venue of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, which will be inaugurated on December 18 on the sidelines of the Amir Cup final at a capacity of 50%. Dr. Al Musleh added that the State of Qatar has occupied a prominent place on the world sports map, whether before or after the coronavirus pandemic. For the first time since the outbreak of the pandemic, this number of football fans will be able to be present in the stadium. "This is the first time Qatar has hosted a match on this scale under such exceptional circumstances. The Amir Cup Local Organizing Committee, under direction from the MOPH, developed a clear strategy in order to accommodate spectators and ensure the safe return of top-level sport in our country," Dr. Al Musleh said. He noted that everyone will be tested prior to the final including players, organizers and spectators. Anyone who enters the stadium must return either a negative COVID-19 test or a positive COVID-19 antibodies test. Social distancing measures will be implemented within the vicinity of the stadium, including the fan zone and on public transport. Fans will be encouraged to keep on face masks and all parts of the stadium will be sterilized along with applying all precautionary procedures that were followed with the return of sporting activity in Doha recently, most importantly the AFC Champions League. Dr. Al Musleh noted that the Qatari model of the return of the masses was recently presented to FIFA officials who expressed their admiration of the preparations carried out by Qatar to host these events, and they are in the process of studying the possibility of applying these arrangements in the FIFA Club World Cup. For his part, Director of Marketing at the Local Organizing Committee Khalid Al Kuwari said that a new ticketing process has been adopted for the Amir Cup final at the headquarters of Al Arabi and Al Sadd clubs to give chances for their fans by sending the registration link on social media platforms in a first stage, then opening registration to all fans in a second stage by communicating with them via e-mail. After receiving the tickets electronically, the fans should go directly to the ticket sales centers, through the main center (Qatar National Convention Center in the Education City) and also at Al Sadd and Al Arabi clubs. He indicated that invitations will be sent to some sports figures at the Asian or global level and will be announced in a timely manner, noting that the registration process for the masses has reached 80%. Khalid Al Naama, Deputy Communications Director of the Amir Cup Local Organizing Committee, said: "We are thrilled to be launching our fourth Qatar 2022 venue by hosting the Amir Cup final as we did previously for the inaugurations of Khalifa International in 2017 and Al Janoub in 2019". "Like other Qatar 2022 stadiums, Al Rayyan Venue has distinct legacy features including becoming the future home of Al Rayyan Sports Club. Yet again, this match is an opportunity to test readiness ahead of the World Cup by welcoming the fans of two major local clubs." He underlined the readiness of Al Rayyan stadium to open its doors and host the distinctive football event, noting that the stadium can accommodate 40,000 spectators and it simulates the geographical nature of Al Rayyan city, as its design simulates the social and vital shield that protects this community. "With the inauguration of Al Rayyan stadium, three more World Cup venues will be inaugurated next year," he added. (QNA)