16 teams to compete in Muscat Ramadhan football tournament

Observer

06-03-2025

Muscat: The Muscat Ramadhan Football Tournament will commence on Saturday, sponsored by Maksab Platform and in collaboration with the Oman Automobile Association. The matches will be played on the six-a-side pitch at the association's venue, with 16 teams from various governorates participating. These teams represent community clubs, government entities, private companies and expatriate communities, competing for prize money exceeding RO 6,000.
The tournament draw was conducted on Wednesday, dividing the teams into four groups. Group A includes Al Fan Al Hadith, Oman Automobile Association, Al Ghalibi, and Safety and Security, while Group B consists of Tahadi Al Matar, KN3, Shabab Al Khamesa and Blanco. In Group C, the teams are Amigos, Al Alami, Al Ittihad and Al Fahs, whereas Group D features Rubou' Haima, Al Hadeetha for Energy, Al Karaz and Rozna Restaurant.
The tournament follows a group-stage format, where the top two teams from each group advance to the knockout rounds. Each match will last 40 minutes, split into two halves, with a five-minute half-time break. Unlimited substitutions are allowed, provided that players enter the field from the centre line. If a knockout match ends in a draw, the winner will be decided directly through penalty shoot-outs. Regarding disciplinary actions, a player receiving a red card will be suspended for one match, while a player accumulating three yellow cards will also face a one-match suspension. All yellow cards will be cleared after the group stage, except for red cards, which will remain valid until the end of the tournament.
The Muscat Ramadhan Football Tournament draw in progress.
The organising committee has allocated financial prizes and trophies for the top teams. The champion will receive RO 3,000, a championship trophy and gold medals, while the runner-up will be awarded RO 1,800 along with silver medals. The third-place team will receive RO 750. In addition, RO 500 will be awarded to the tournament's best player, top-scorer and best goalkeeper.
Ibrahim al Jenaibi, a board member of Maksab Platform, expressed his delight at the overwhelming response to the Muscat Ramadhan Football Tournament, noting that the number of participating teams exceeded expectations despite the delayed launch. A total of 16 teams joined the competition, while additional requests for participation were received but could not be accommodated.
Al Jenaibi emphasised that the tournament is one of the largest football events in Oman, expressing his aspiration to expand it further in the coming years to make it even bigger. He added: "We aim to introduce qualification rounds before Ramadhan, with the finals held during the holy month. This will allow a larger number of teams to take part in the competition."
Al Jenaibi pointed out that the tournament will not be limited to sports competitions alone but will also include various Ramadhan activities aimed at engaging the wider community. A food court will be set up around the pitch, along with several other Ramadhan-themed events, to create a comprehensive entertainment experience for attendees.
Al Jenaibi revealed the launch of a Best Commentator Competition, an initiative designed to highlight new talents in sports commentary and give them a platform to showcase their skills in the Omani sports scene.
Additionally, Al Jenaibi announced the introduction of a Super Cup match, where the champion of the Muscat Ramadhan Tournament will face off against the winner of the Journalists Association Tournament, adding another level of excitement and competition to the event.
Al Jenaibi extended his gratitude to the Oman Automobile Association for its support and cooperation, reaffirming the organising committee's commitment to delivering an exceptional sports and entertainment experience for the audience.