Qatar's Al Rayyan to Skip Arab Football Club Championship

Al Rayyan have decided not to take part in the Arab football Club Championship, scheduled to be held in August. The decision was made due to clash of dates with the club’s local and continental fixtures.

Al Rayyan’s Director of football, Ali Salem Afifah said in a statement: “The start of the Arab Championship clashes with local and continental matches. August is when Al Rayyan prepares for the new local football season, which means the club won’t be in full readiness to compete in the championship.”

Qatar Football Association (QFA) had contacted Al Rayyan to participate in the tournament after receiving an invitation from the Union of Arab Football Associations. QFA also unofficially contacted other clubs to participate in the tournament after Al Rayyan’s apology, however, those clubs too declined the offer due to busy schedule. The Arab Championship matches will be played with the knockout system and the final will be held on 28 or 29 April next year.