Tribune News Network
Doha
The new season of Qatar’s top flight domestic football – Ooredoo Stars League 2024-25 – will kick into action on August 9, the official body – Qatar Stars League (QSL) announced on Sunday.
The 12-club and 22-round annual league competition will run until April 18, 2025.
The re-branded league tournament (earlier Expo Stars League) will begin with last season’s runners-up Al Rayyan taking on Umm Salal at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium at 6.30pm on August 9 (Friday), while Al Khor will take on Al Gharafa at the Al Bayt Stadium at 8.30 pm the same evening.
Al Rayyan who will have their pre-season training camp in the Netherlands will look to assert their status as a top contender for silverware in the new season and start on a winning note.
Al Gharafa, with a training camp in Slovakia shall return on August 1, eight days before their opening clash.
Saturday (August 10) will see Qatar SC take on former champions Al Duhail at the Khalifa International Stadium at 6.30 pm while reigning champions Al Sadd will take Al Shamal at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium at 8.30 pm.
The Wolves have chosen Malaga in Spain as the destination for their training camp and will return on July 29 to gear up for the opening clash. Al Shamal, who managed to extend their stay in the league after winning the relegation play-off, are currently training in Austria under their new Swedish coach Poya Asbaghi.
On Sunday (August 11), Al Wakrah will meet Al Ahli at the Al Janoub Stadium (6.30pm), before the opening week concludes with a late fixture between Al Arabi and Al Shahaniya at Al Thumama Stadium (8.30pm).
The QSL also announced that the fixtures will be updated after Week 3 following the 2024-2025 AFC Champions League draw ceremony and by considering the participation of Qatari clubs in various Asian and Gulf tournaments.