The Qatar Amateur League (QAL), a community event aimed at bringing football teams from Qatar’s social, corporate and government sectors together in a tournament, concluded on Saturday as Al Waab defeated Umm Al Afai 2-1.
Teams from communities across Qatar competed at six venues over the course of the season. Al Waab were crowned champions for the second time, repeating the feat they achieved during the 2013-14 season and becoming the first team to win the title twice.
Organised by the Qatar Football Association (QFA) with close support from the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC), the QAL was mentioned in the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar bid document as a commitment to grassroots football development in the country.
Commenting on the tournament, SC assistant secretary general for Tournament Affairs Nasser al-Khater said: “More teams took part in this year’s competition than ever before, demonstrating the passion for grassroots football that underpins this country’s love of sports.
“The Supreme Committee is proud to have played a part in the continued development of the Qatar Amateur League, which is living evidence of football’s ability to bring different communities together. I’d like to congratulate all the teams for taking part and am personally looking forward to another successful season next year.”

QAL ACHIEVED A LOT THIS SEASON: BALAN
Qatar Stars League (QSL) CEO Hani Balan praised the performance of Qatar Amateur League (QAL) champions Al Waab, saying the players demonstrated great skills on the pitch.
Al Waab, having won 24 out of their 30 games, emerged QAL champions by producing a tally of 75 points from 30 matches followed by Al Afai with 70 points. Amwaaj finished in third spot with 67 points.
Al Afai finished in second spot with a victory over Al Waab at Al Ahli Stadium.
Mohamed Salameh and Mahmoud Omar scored the goals for Al Afai while Mohamed Mustafa reduced the deficit for Al Waab.
After the pulsating clash, Balan presided over the victory ceremony, handing medals and trophies to the top two sides.
Ibrahim Shahin Sulaiti, chairman of the Organising Committee of QAL, was joined by Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohamed al-Thani at the presentation ceremony.
Amwaaj’s third place finish earned them a prize of QR80,000, while Al Afai picked up the second prize of QR100,000 and Al Waab won QR150,000 for their title-winning performance.
“This is an important event on our football calendar. We are happy to see the commitment shown by teams and players,” Balan said.
“Football is our number one sport and we are thrilled to see how young and senior players show their game in this league,” he said.
“Our vision is to keep developing the sport as we complete our preparations for the 2022 FIFA World Cup,” he said.
“The QAL is a very important platform for people who love the sport and want to develop their skills even if they are not professional.
“I congratulate the organisers for staging a top-notch event that was enjoyed by the players, the teams and the fans.
“This was our third edition and we have picked up many important lessons. We will continue to make improvements as we go along.
“This league is there so that there’s a link between amateurs and professionals. Football is everybody’s passion here.
“To develop the sport, all segments of the society have to be engaged in this wonderful game.”