19.08.2008
Football
Qataris are passionate about football and, as the country's recent success at the Doha 2006 Asian Games has shown, and its popularity and quality level continues to grow.
Cheered on by a fervent 18,000 strong crowd, the Qatar football team won the 2006 Asian Games gold medal and instantly became overnight heroes. Its success on the field sparked scenes of jubilation and the fans celebrated long into the night in the capital Doha and across the whole nation.
The 2006 Asian Games was a milestone event for football in Qatar, and the historic victory stamped the Middle East country onto the football map. With its ambition to qualify for the FIFA World Cup, Qatar is now making the football world sit up and take notice. Qatar's football success is all the more astonishing given the nation's small population. Qatar now boasts state-of-the-art stadiums and training facilities that are the envy of many football clubs.
The origins of football in Qatar are, however, very different.
Organised football was introduced to Qatar by the early oil company workers in the 1940s. In 1950, the first Doha club, Al-Ahli, was established. The Qatar Football Association was founded in 1960 and, in 1970, Qatar became associated with FIFA, the governing body of world football.
There are now 20 clubs playing competitive football in Qatar. The Qatar football leagues comprise two divisions, with 10 teams in each division. Al Sadd are considered to be the best football club in Qatar, having won the top Q-league a record 11 times.
Football in Qatar has been revolutionised by substantial financial investment - this has attracted a number of international star players to join the Qatari leagues, including Argentinean legend Gabriel Batistuta and Nigerian star Jay-Jay Okocha.
The investment has also enabled Qatar to develop home-grown football talent. By establishing the Aspire sports academy, the nation aims to help young people improve their skills and enjoy the sport.