QSL Carries Out Cup Draw

Doha, September 18 (QNA) - The Qatar Stars League made the draw for the QSL Cup on Monday at Al Bidda tower, which was held in the presence of representatives of the twelve clubs participating in the tournament. The draw saw all 12 QNB Stars League sides drawn into the following groups: Group A: Al Duhail - Al Gharafa - Al Kharaitiyat - Al Sailiya - Al Khor - Qatar SC. Group B: Al Sadd - Al Rayyan - Umm Salal - Al Arabi - Al Ahli - Al Markhiya. The club's ranking was decided according to the QSL league standings in the 2016/2017 season. Al Duhail, the champions of the 2016/2017 league, placed the top of Group A, and Al Sadd, the runners-up at the top of Group B. The schedule is set to be issued in the next few days, and also the determination of the stadiums in which the matches will be held in coordination with the Ministry of Culture and Sports. The tournament is set to take place after the third week of QNB Stars League action when the competition will take a two-week break for international football. The participation of the first and U23 players is eligible and young players can also play in the tournament. The participation of a U23 player is not compulsory at the start of the game. The format of the competition means that each team has to face the fellow five sides once in a league format. The top two sides in each group will be drawn against each other in the semi-finals before the winners take on each other in a showpiece final. The tournament is independent of the QNB Stars League. The yellow and red cards are separate from the league, and the player who receives the fourth yellow card or red card will be suspended in the competition itself. The participation of the 12 clubs in the QNB Stars League is mandatory and the team that does not participate is subject to a fine of QR 200000 unless the club concerned has an excuse approved by the Executive Committee. Also the Qatar Football Association's discipline regulations are also in force. The winning team wins the QSL Cup, gold medals and a prize money, and the second-place team wins silver medals and a prize money. (QNA)