High on Form, Al Annabi Gear up for Tight Contest with Arch-Rivals

“Qatar have been scoring a lot of goals. They are also efficient in front of the goal. Given some chances, we will try and put opposition into some THURsday, DECEMBER 5, 2019 difficult situations.” – Saudi coach Herve Renard High on form, Al Annabi gear up for tight contest with arch-rivals No room for error, says Qatar coach Sanchez Will make it tough for the hosts, insists Saudi Arabia manager Renard

2nd Semi-final Qatar vs Saudi Arabia at Al Janoub Stadium 8pm

Qatar coach Felix Sanchez gestures during training as Almoez Ali looks on, ahead of Gulf Cup semi-final, on Wednesday.

Vinay Nayudu their opener. Doha Since then both teams have raised their level of play. The Arabian Gulf Cup has had Yet, Qatar seem to have found a history of enthralling football a great momentum following and keen contests. As such the their 6-0 win over Yemen, and Qatar players (from left) Pedro Miguel, Abdullah Abdulsalam, captain Hassan al Haydos, and Salem al Hajri warm up for a training session at Aspire on Wednesday. 24th edition of the tournament a telling 4-2 win over UAE in is only living up to the billing the crucial last match. “On our part, we are also and raising standards. Qatar’s stars Abdelkarim ready and very excited to be On Thursday, when Qatar Hassan (Asia Player of the playing Qatar. We made a take on Saudi Arabia in the Year 2018), and Akram Afif losing start to our campaign second semi-final at the Al ((Asia Player of the Year 2019) in this Gulf Cup but then did Janoub Stadium it will be an- have both hit form striking well. We began with five play- other spectacle as both sides three goals each thus far. ers who are young and are will push hard to ensure a Skipper Hassan al Hay- from the champion team of place in the final. dos has been a key playmaker, 2018 U-19 side. It was tough There will be no margin Karim Boudiaf has been in for them at this international for errors and Al Annabi coach his elements while Salem al level. But we improved against Felix Sanchez was emphatic in Hajri too made superb play in Bahrain and Oman as players his statement at the pre-match the last match. Add to this the got some more experience. So conference on Wednesday fluent Pedro Miguel and they now we are confident. saying, “I think this phase of all seem a challenge by them- “We play a strong side, we the tournament does not ac- selves. know exactly what they are cept mistakes. We are playing Sanchez will be hoping for capable of but we also know against a strong team and eve- these men along with the oth- what we have to do. So it will ryone knows their quality.” ers to keep excelling. also be a tough game for Qa- The task is equally chal- The coach was accompa- tar, I’m telling you.” lenging for either sides. “It will nied by the admirable goal- On Qatar’s style of play, be a semi-final.T he game is keeper Saad al Sheeb, and Rebard said, “Qatar have been certainly difficult, and we will Qatar will surely aim from scoring a lot of goals. Their enter it with great hope. We keeping all trouble away from play positions are very good, know the level of the opponent Sheeb during the key clash. they play high balls and the but we have confidence in our The absence of Bassam projection of their strikers is players, and are ready to per- al Rawi has been made up by very fast. They are also effi- form well. These games do not the others. “We always pre- cient in front of the goal. But accept division by two; either fer to have all the players but Saudi Arabia coach Herve Renard (3rd left) joins players during warm up ahead of a training session at Aspire on Wednesday. they will show up some weak- we lose or win,” stressed the we must focus on those who ness like all the teams. As for Spanish coach. are present, and we are happy Qatar in front of the home home crowd. We are focused and we are coach said. our strategy we are keeping Indeed that would be the with them,” said Sanchez. crowd would be tough but Renard said his players also a good team with a lot Renard has been study- things to ourselves and trying case as only the better side will Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, added that his team can meet were confident. T“ here’s no of good players and great ing the Qatar team for a while to prepare very well. go on to win. are being served well by some up to the challenge. pressure. We are also happy team spirit. We know, we now. “I watched the Qatar “Given the chances, we will Both Qatar and Saudi of their younger players who Saudi Arabia would hope to be playing at the very big, are playing against the hosts team play against South Korea try and put our opposition into Arabia have suffered a loss were a part of the team that for their players Abdullah al beautiful and fantastic stadi- who are also the 2019 cham- and the UAE during the Asian some difficult situations. each in the group stage. While won the Asia 2018 under-19 Hamdan and Mohammed al um. And it is always better to pions of Asia. Cup. So, we perfectly know our Tomorrow evening you the hosts lost to Iraq in their title. Khabrani to lead the way play a game of football in front “While it will be difficult opponents, the quality of their will see the plan and strategy. opening match, Saudi suf- French coach Herve Re- but they will also be under of a lot of spectators. for us, it will also be very dif- play, their coach who has been I hope we will end up on the fered a loss against Kuwait in nard admitted that playing pressure in front of a large “We don’t fear anybody. ficult for Qatar,” the Saudi doing an amazing job. winning side,” he hoped. Qatar drawn with Brazil, Colombia for Copa America 2020 QNA/AFP it’s about testing ourselves at Bogota the highest level,” Arnold said following the draw. “The play- Qatar has been drawn in ers are so excited to have this Group B with Colombia, Brazil, great opportunity.” Venezuela, Ecuador and Peru The former international for the Copa America 2020, striker speaks from experience: while Group A includes Aus- Arnold was a member of the tralia, Argentina, Bolivia, Uru- Socceroos team which lost to a guay, Chile and Paraguay. Diego Maradona-inspired Ar- The 12-team tournament of gentina in a 1993 playoff for a the 47th edition of Copa Amer- spot in the 1994 World Cup. ica, runs from June 12 to July “In the old days in the 12, and includes all 10 teams 1990s we played Argentina and from South America plus invit- Maradona over there and if you ed guests Australia and Qatar, speak to the players involved who were the final sides to be Pibe, the mascot of the Copa America Former Brazilian footballer Juninho Paulista presents the Copa they’ll tell you what a great ex- placed in groups. 2020 at the draw ceremony. (AFP) America trophy during the draw of the Copa America 2020. perience it was,” Arnold said. It will be co-hosted by Co- “Our boys haven’t really lombia and Argentina. tina and Chile at the Monu- tournament against Peru on before facing losses against 3-1 in the final this year. Australia coach Graham Ar- had the experience of playing in Four teams from each mental stadium in Buenos June 14. Qatar had made Colombia and Argentina. Australia will face Lionel nold said his team was relishing South America. So to be able to group will qualify for the quar- Aires and the final will take their Copa America debut Brazil will enter the next Messi and Argentina after be- the prospect of facing Argenti- play in South America in those ter-finals.T he opening match place in Colombia. earlier this year. They drew tournament as the defending ing drawn alongside the tour- na in Buenos Aires. great stadiums in that environ- will be played between Argen- Qatar will open their their match against Paraguay champions after defeating Peru nament co-hosts on Tuesday. “That’s what it’s all about, ment is going to be a buzz.” Thursday, December 5, 2019 13 24th Arabian Gulf Cup Qatar | Oman | Kuwait | Saudi arabia | UAE | Bahrain | Iraq | yemen Iraq ‘strong’ but Bahrain seek to fight hard for a place in final Both teams have equal opportunity, says Bahrain coach Sousa We will give it all, warns Iraq’s manager Katanec

The Bahrain (left) and Iraq teams during their respective practice sessions at the Qatar University Stadium, ahead of their 24th Arabian Gulf Cup semi-final clash, on Wednesday.

Tribune News Network Doha

Bahrain, who knocked out ten-time champions Kuwait out of the 24th Arabian Gulf Cup, face three-time winners Iraq in the first semi-final of the tournament at the Al Du- hail Stadium on Thursday aiming to make the final in quest of maiden trophy triumph. 1st Semi-final Iraq vs Bahrain at Al Duhail Stadium 5pm

Iraq captain Abdul Zahra (left), and Bahrain player Mohammed Abdulwahid speak to the media at the pre-match conference of their team on Wednesday.

Bahrain beat Kuwait 4-2 Iraq are experiencing the have achieved. We will try to indeed difficult against Iraq, quired,” he said. others. We will forgot the red rain, coach Sousa felt they to come face-to-face with Iraq, same pressure. Both teams attack when we have the ball who were the first team to On their goalless draw card, and we will give it our all. didn’t know how they play. “If who were the first to qualify, are good. The opportunity is and to put pressure on the make the grade beating Qatar with Yemen, Zahra said, “With “The Bahrain team is good. they are bored of our football, but played a goalless draw available to both but we hope Iraqi team.” 2-1, and UAE 2-0. Yemen, there had been some We should not underestimate they should not be here. “De- with Yemen in their last group to achieve a win. Bahrain played a goalless Iraqi captain Abdul Zahra circumstances that affected it. They defeated Iran and fence and attack are part of the stage match. “We have not yet reached draw with defending champi- said the special thing about his the team. We are focusing on scored four goals against Ku- game. This is our ability and Bahrain coach Helio Sousa the level of Saudi Arabia, Qatar ons Oman in their opener, went team was collective spirit. planting a smile on the lips of wait. I respect them and it is the we will play on that. said on Wednesday that his and Iraq but we have different on to lose 0-2 to Saudi Arabia, “We will face Bahrain our people (back home).” same for the players,” he said. “Fortunately, we are play- team is preparing for a strong method,” said the coach. before trouncing Kuwait. whose performance has pro- Iraq’s coach Srecko Ka- Meanwhile, Bahrain playing against the strongest teams match and that both teams are “After preparing for a Bahrain also have to thank gressed. We have one goal – tanec said the semis would er Mohammed Abdulwahid of Asia to gain experience. We experiencing the same pres- full month, we have reached their striker Thiago Augusto that is to move forward until be like any other game for his acknowledged that Iraq are are trying to change the con- sure of Gulf Cup semi-final. the semi-finals and we can for scoring two very late goals the end. We have an impor- team. “We came here with a strong. “Iraq is a strong team cept and the style of playing, “We are happy playing reach beyond that. Do not to ensure their last four qualifi- tant game where we will focus lot of young people. Tomor- but there’s no pressure on us.” and we will prepare well for here in Qatar. Bahrain and forget what all the players cation. As such the job ahead is on until we achieve what is re- row’s game is no different than For those critical of Bah- the next confrontation.”

Gulf Cup legends honoured by AGCFF

Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al Thani, President of the Arabian Gulf Cup Football Federation (AGCFF) and Qatar Football Association (QFA, honoured Gulf Cup legends at an awards ceremony held at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Doha, on Tuesday. Bahrain’s Ali al Buainain, Iraqi legend Hussein Saeed, Qatar’s late Mahmoud Sophie, Oman’s Mohammed Rabie and former Kuwaiti captain Bashar Abdullah were among those honoured and their rich contribution recalled throughout Gulf Cup’s long history since inception in 1970. Sophie was honoured as the top-scorer of Al Annabi in the World Cup qualifiers, the 11th Gulf Cup champion. Mohammed Rabie from Oman had shown his brilliance at Doha Stadium, and at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium with Al Sadd Club, when Oman emerged as the 19th Gulf Cup champions. Finally, the captain of the Kuwaiti national team Bashar Abdullah, the Gulf Cup holder for four times – in 1996, 1998, 2003 and 2004, was awarded for excellence. (TNN) 14 Thursday, December 5, 2019 Sports Countdown begins for third edition of QOC’s Team Qatar Flag Relay

The 2019 has been a year the crowning of the national Event aims to of many sport achievements football team as the champi- that have made Qatar very ons of Asia at the 2019 Asian attract over 5,000 proud. With the Tokyo Olym- Cup in the UAE, Mutaz Bar- pic Games coming up, Team shim defending his high jump participants Qatar are aiming to raise the gold medal at the IAAF World flag for Qatar once more. Championships in Doha and Tribune News network The iconic event, accom- Abdurrahman Samba claim- DOHA panied by a number of sport ing the men’s 400m hurdles events, will bring together bronze in the same meet. Be- The countdown for the third elite athletes, schoolchildren, sides these, a number of Qatari edition of Team Qatar’s Flag distinguished members from athletes, including Barshim, Relay, to be held on December different communities and Samba, Abubaker Hayder, the 13, has begun. The event, or- the general public for carry- national show jumping team, ganised by the Qatar Olympic ing the Qatari flag during the the male skeet shooting team Committee (QOC), is a part of relay. Registration for the and shooter Mohammed al this year’s Qatar National Day event, which aims to attract Rumaihi, secured qualifica- (QND) celebration. over 5,000 people from dif- tion for the Tokyo 2020 Olym- The Team Qatar Flag Relay ferent segments of the society, pic Games. 2019 will commence early in is already open and interested The second edition of the the morning at the QOC Head- participants can register via Team Qatar Flag Relay, which quarters and will pass through the link www.q-tickets.com/ took place last year, witnessed the Corniche, Qatar Founda- QOC which is also found on the participation of more tion, Katara Village and the QOC’s social media platforms than 2,000 people, includ- Hamad International Airport @qatar_olympic. ing 800 school students. The where the flag will then be The Team Qatar’s Flag Re- flag toured more than 300 handed over to a pilot heading lay 2019 rounds up a year of kilometres across Qatar and to Tokyo where team Qatar is major sporting achievements it involved a number of sport due to participate in the Tokyo for Qatar. Among the many activities including bicycles, Olympic Games 2020. laurels recorded this year were His Excellency Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al Thani, President, QOC, with participants during the Team Qatar Flag Relay last year. running and swimming. Hariry Al Shaqab emerges World Schools Olympic Program Platinum Champion 2019 in Paris head pleased with

Tribune News Network Doha quality of competitions

Hariry Al Shaqab, represent- Tribune News Network mittee first launched the SOP current edition of the Schools ing Al Shaqab, member of Qa- DOHA in the 2007-08 season under Olympic Program. tar Foundation, earned the title the theme Sports and Health. Hamad Abdullah al Hajri of World Platinum Champion Schools Olympic Program The 13th edition of the (2005) and Abdulhadi Abdul- at the World Arabian Champi- Organising Committee Chair- Schools Olympic Program lah al Dosari (2006) stressed onship – the prestigious Salon man Sheikh Khalifa bin Khalid continues in the atmosphere the importance of sports and Du Cheval De Paris 2019. al Thani expressed hopes that of excitement, especially in the SOP competitions in say- This is the second consecu- the high quality contests at football competitions at the ing that the initiative is a tive year that offspring of leg- the ongoing 13th SOP com- Aspire Academy. Many talent great opportunity to show- endary Marwan Al Shaqab has petitions are sure to produce scouts from clubs and Aspire case and develop the talents won the prestigious title. many talented students in dif- Academy itself are attending of students. Sheikh Hamad bin Ali al ferent sports. the match, showing optimism Ghanem Abdulrahman al Thani, Manager of the Breed- In a press release, Sheikh about getting talented foot- Darwish (2007) thanked all ing & Show Department at Al Khalifa said the School Olym- ballers for the future. the officials for giving young Shaqab, received Hariry Al pic Program competitions Those identified ashaving sportsmen a chance to take Shaqab’s prize on behalf of Al have been both hard and im- demonstrated high technical part in various sports activities Shaqab. pressive this year, which will skills during the competitions and meet other players from The event was held in help Qatar discover a good included Al Andalus School’s different schools. France from November 29 to crop of promising students. Hamad Abdullah al Hajri This year’s events are fea- December 1. Participation in The Schools Olympic Pro- (2005), Abdulrahman Ali al turing students in 12 sports the show was limited to horses gram is among the most signif- Mannai (2005), Saleh Khalid in the boys’ section and 13 in that had won notable awards icant projects backing school al Kuwari (2005), Abdulhadi the girls’ category. The SOP at international horse shows sport in the country in col- Abdullah al Dosari (2006), goes in line with other initia- earlier in 2019. laboration with the Ministry of and Ghanem Abdulrahman al tives undertaken by Qatar as The victory by Hariry Al Education and Higher Educa- Darwish (2007). All of them part of the Qatar National Shaqab, a former World Stal- tion. The Qatar Olympic Com- are vying for the title of the Vision 2030. lion Champion, follows the win by Kahil Al Shaqab in the same category last year. Both Hariry Al Shaqab and Kahil Al Shaqab were sired by the legendary stallion, Mar- wan Al Shaqab. . The son of Gazal Al Shaqab, Marwan Al Shaqab has been a jewel in the crown of Al Shaqab and continues to be an ideal representation of Al Shaqab and Arabian horses of Qatar. Although only a com- paratively young stallion, the Al Shaqab Breeding and Show Department Manager Sheikh Hamad bin Ali al Thani and other members sons and daughters of Marwan with Hariry Al Shaqab after the prize distribution at the Salon Du Cheval De Paris 2019. have already established him as the most influential stallion ing as World Platinum Cham- Cheval De Paris 2019, and his of Marwan Al Shaqab and the of his generation. pion at the World Arabian brother Kahil’s title win last strength of Al Shaqab’s breed- Hariry Al Shaqab’s crown- Championship – Salon Du year, highlights the pedigree ing programme.

Hydroxide claims Al Huwaila Cup; Trainer Jassim Ghazali shines with four winners

JP Guillambert and Hydroxide shone to win the Al Huwaila Cup, the feature race of the 13th Meeting at the dirt tracks of the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club Racecourse in New Al Rayyan on Wednesday. The five-year-old bay gelding, owned by Khalifa bin Sheail al Kuwari, beat Altar- sheed under Harry Bentley by three quarters of a length for his first victory of the season in three races. Rich History was third, beating Topsy Turvy and Take A Nap got the fifth spot. Trainer Jassim Ghazali had a superb day as he won four races, including the main race, for four different owners. Marco Casamento steered Jacko (Shaheen bin Khalid al Ghanim) and Fahdah Al Naif (Al Naif Racing) to victory for Ghazali and Bentley clinched the opening race, riding Hazm Al Sulaimi (Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalid al Thani). Sports Thursday, December 5, 2019 15 Navarro to Sheikh Khalid honours Barshim with 2019 Arab retire after 2020 season Sportsman of the Year award in Spain afp Madrid

Spanish tennis player Carla Tribune News Network Suarez Navarro said on Tues- Doha day that she will retire from the sport at the end of the Qatar’s athletics icon Mutaz 2020 season to focus on “other Essa Barshim was hon- priorities”. oured with the 2019 The 31-year-old has Arab Athlete of the slipped to 55th in the WTA Year award at the AS rankings, down from a career- Sports Awards for high of sixth in 2016. outstanding athletes “I am beginning to have of 2019 at a ceremony other priorities and tennis is held the Spanish capi- a very demanding sport that tal Madrid on Tuesday. requires a lot of sacrifice,” said Sheikh Dr. Khalid bin Thani Suarez Navarro, who has won bin Abdullah al Thani - Mem- $11.58 million in career prize ber of the Board of Directors money. of Prisa Media Group, owner Receiving the award, Bar- several months. in front of home fans. “This last year will be a of the sports newspaper AS shim expressed his happiness He bounced back with cour- The AS ports Awards were year with the same expecta- handed the trophy to Barshim, and said that the year 2019 was age and in great style winning attended by Spanish Minister of tions, just as intense, just as twice World Champion, World a special year for him despite the the gold medal at the World Culture and Sports Jose Guer- demanding.” Athlete of the Year 2018, Olym- suffering an injury at the end Athletics Championships Qatar rao, and Qatari Ambassador to Suarez Navarro has won pic silver medalist and Asian of last year that need a surgery 2019, scaling 2.37 meters at the Spain HE Abdullah bin Ibrahim two WTA singles titles and lost Games gold winner. and kept him out of action for Khlaifa International Stadium al Hamar. another nine finals, while she has reached Grand Slam quar- ter-finals seven times without ever making the last four.

7 Days to Go: FIFA CLub World Cup Qatar 2019 Van Dijk deserved Ballon d’Or: Klopp

AFP my life already, is probably the clash between the two re- ‘Qatar 2019 will be London the best player I saw in my mains the “standout” fixture lifetime. of the season for Liverpool. Liverpool manager Jur- “But I cannot remember a “This is the standout game gen Klopp believes Virgil van more impressive season from for both teams during the sea- Dijk would have been a wor- a defender ever. Honestly. son and both teams always a great experience’ thy winner of the Ballon d’Or So it would have been right showed that and respected but understands why Lionel if Virg won it. I heard it was that. We have to make sure Messi lifted it for a sixth time. pretty close.” that we are ready,” added the The Dutch captain came Klopp’s men are likely German. second to the Argentina for- to be in contention for indi- Marco Silva’s position at ward despite playing a huge vidual awards again next year Goodison Park is under huge role as Liverpool won the should they finally end a 30- threat but the Portuguese has Champions League last sea- year wait to win a league title. been given the chance to turn son, overcoming Messi’s Bar- Liverpool lead the Pre- his time at Everton around by celona in the semi-final. mier League by eight points recording a first victory over “I see it slightly differ- and host local rivals Everton Liverpool at Anfield since ent and a lot of people see it in the 234th Merseyside der- 1999. slightly different but that’s by looking to inflict more pain “They want to strike back, absolutely no problem,” said on the blue half of the city. they want to show that they Klopp. Everton are just two can do different. They can “Lionel Messi, I’ve said points above the relegation sort a lot of problems in one probably 500,000 times in zone in 17th, but Klopp insists game,” said Klopp. World Cup Qatar 2022, it also a side from another continent gives him a chance to shine in intrigues Van Dijk. a global setting for the very “It will be a big challenge, first time. it will be something that we Corinthians crowned once again “For me personally, it’s haven’t experienced before,” something new,” Van Dijk told he said. “We’re at the stage Tribune News Network FIFA.com in an exclusive inter- right now where we have the DOHA Liverpool’s Dutch defender Virgil van Dijk and his wife Rike Nooitged- view. “And I think for almost experience of playing interna- agt arrive to attend the Ballon d’Or France Football 2019 ceremony at everyone in our team [at Liver- tional football [with our na- Europe’s grip on the FIFA the Chatelet Theatre in Paris on Monday. (AFP) pool] it’s something new. I think tional teams]. We have play- Club World Cup had tight- this squad can be the first Liver- ers who’ve played all over the ened after five years of succes- FIFA.COM himself on the global stage for pool side to win the Club World world anyway. It’s going to be sive UEFA Champions League DOHA his country though, the Liver- Cup. It’ll be a great experience. a totally different challenge for winners leaving the global fi- pool man made his senior in- We’re all looking forward to go- us but it’s something that we’re nals victorious. That was until There is no doubt that Virgil ternational debut in October ing out there and hopefully get definitely looking forward to.” Corinthians made a return to van Dijk is the best defender in 2015. With the Oranje missing that trophy as well.” The Reds will no doubt the competition 12 years after the world right now. The im- out on the 2018 FIFA World Jurgen Klopp’s side will watch the opening games with winning the 2000 FIFA Club posing Dutchman was runner- Cup Russia, he has not graced open their Qatar 2019 cam- heightened interest – with World Championship in Brazil. up to Lionel Messi at The Best the biggest stage at interna- paign on December 18, and Al-Sadd Sports Club facing At Japan 2012, O Timão FIFA Men’s Player earlier this tional level. their opponents could be Hienghene Sport on Decem- maintained their winning ways year, and as a result has become For the former Celtic and drawn from one of three con- ber 11 in the tournament at the tournament — bring- Paolo Guerrero’s second-half his stand-out performances in used to rubbing shoulders with Southampton defender, the federations: AFC (Al Sadd opener, and the winner of that ing the Club World Cup back winner was enough to see off the semi-final and final. the world’s greatest at the up- FIFA Club World Cup Qatar Sports Club), OFC (Hienghene game facing Monterrey on De- to South America for the first Chelsea in Yokohama while The FIFA Club World Cup per echelons of the game. 2019 not only serves to whet Sport) or Concacaf (Monter- cember 14 for a chance to play time since compatriots Inter- goalkeeper Cassio was award- Qatar 2019 gets under way on Van Dijk has yet to test the appetite for the FIFA rey). The opportunity to face Liverpool in the semi-final. nacional did so back in 2006. ed the adidas Golden Ball for December 11.

Radiation ‘hot spots’ near Olympic torch relay, says Greenpeace Ooredoo joins as National Supporter

AFP from the disaster and intends Tokyo to use J-Village as the starting of FIFA Club World Cup Qatar 2019 point for the Japan leg of the Environmental pres- torch relay starting in March. Tribune News Network sure group Greenpeace said Originally designed as a DOHA on Wednesday it had detected training centre for athletes, J- what it called radiation “hot Village functioned for years as a FIFA and the Local Organis- spots” near the start- logistics hub for crews ing Committee announced on ing point for the up- working to control Wednesday that leading Qatari coming Olympic torch and decommission telecommunications company relay in Fukushima, the crippled reactors. Ooredoo has become a Nation- northeastern Japan. After a clean-up al Supporter of the FIFA Club Japan’s environ- process, the sports World Cup 2019, presented by ment ministry said centre became fully Alibaba Cloud. the area in general operational again in A community-focused com- was safe but added it April this year, shortly pany, Ooredoo is guided by its was in talks with local after Japanese Olym- vision of enriching people’s communities to sur- pic officials decided digital lives and its belief that vey the region ahead to use it as the start- it can stimulate human growth of the Games that ing point for the torch by leveraging communications open on July 24. relay. to help people achieve their Greenpeace urged Greenpeace said full potential. As a National fresh radiation moni- they had detected Supporter, Ooredoo will pro- Ooredoo Qatar, said of the our corporate social respon- FIFA Director of Marketing sential for the successful deliv- toring and continued clean-up some spots with radiation levels vide fixed-line telecommunica- event and sponsorship: “We sibility strategy – as is sup- Services Jean-François Pathy ery of the tournament.” efforts, saying its surveys had as high as 1.7 microsieverts per tions services with world-class are beyond proud to be work- porting our local community commented on the occasion: The FIFA Club World Cup shown areas of high readings hour when measured one metre technology at the stadiums to ing with FIFA to bring this – and teaming up with FIFA “Ooredoo has strong ties to foot- 2019 will take place from De- near J-Village, a sports complex (one yard) above the surface. enhance the spectator experi- incredible sporting event for this prestigious event is ball and sport in general, having cember 11 to 21 and feature located about 20 kilometres (12 This compared with the na- ence and ensure everyone stays to Doha, consolidating yet an honour for Ooredoo. supported a number of recent seven of the world’s top teams miles) from the nuclear plant tionally allowed safety standard connected, so match-goers can again Qatar’s prominent po- “We look forward to seeing local sporting events. We’re competing for the highest hon- damaged in the 2011 tsunami. of 0.23 microsieverts per hour, enjoy fast, reliable internet and sition on the world sporting some fantastic football from thrilled that it will be bringing our in global club football. The Japanese government and a normal reading in Tokyo top-quality voice calling. stage. Promoting sport and some of the world’s top play- its expertise and enthusiasm Fans wishing to see the action is keen to use the Olympics to of around 0.04 microsieverts Waleed al Sayed, the a healthy, active lifestyle is a ers, and wish all the teams the to the FIFA Club World Cup. live can apply for tickets exclu- showcase Fukushima’s recovery per hour. Chief Executive Officer at key priority for us as part of best of luck,” he added. Companies like Ooredoo are es- sively via FIFA.com/tickets.