Caitlin Dillon
The QSL have announced that they have come to the decision to cancel the Qatar Cup for the 2018-2019 season, in order to allow adequate rest time for the players in what has already been, and continues to be, an exceptional season.
This comes following the national team's historic victory in the AFC Asian Cup, and taking into consideration their upcoming fixtures in the Copa America 2019 and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics qualifiers.
On top of this, Al Rayyan, Al Sadd and Al Duhail are also competing in the AFC Champions League.
Due to all of the above factors, the QSL have taken the decision to cancel Qatar Cup fixtures this year.
Read the full statement below:
"The Qatar Stars League, in co-ordination with all stakeholders, discussed and rated the 2018-19 season calendar as exceptional. The competition had started in August, 2018.
The participation of Qatar national team in the 2019 Asian Cup and the impact of its triumph on the players and, in turn, the country’s various national teams and clubs, came up for discussion. Qatar will also play in the Copa America 2019, which will be held in Brazil from June 14th to July 7th.
And the Qatar Olympic team will be in action in the Tokyo 2020 Games qualifiers.
Also, three Qatari clubs (Al Duhail, Al Sadd and Al Rayyan) are featuring in the group stage of 2019 AFC Champions League.
After taking into consideration all of the above factors and the need to give adequate rest to the players ahead of the upcoming challenges, both at the national teams and clubs levels, the QSL has decided not to organise the Qatar Cup only for the 2018-19 season."