Latest news with #GulfChampionsLeague
Arab Times
4 days ago
- Sport
- Arab Times
Eight teams confirmed for Gulf Champions League
KUWAIT CITY, July 28: The Arab Gulf Cup Football Federation has officially approved the list of clubs set to compete in the second edition of the Gulf Champions League for the 2025-2026 season. Eight teams have been nominated by their respective national federations to take part in the tournament. This year's competition will feature: Al-Qadsia (Kuwait), Al-Shabab (Saudi Arabia), Al-Ain (UAE), Sitra (Bahrain), Zakho (Iraq), Al-Nahda (Oman), Al-Rayyan (Qatar), and Tadamun Hadramout (Yemen). Iraq's Duhok Club claimed the title in the tournament's inaugural edition last season after defeating Al-Qadsia 2-1 in the final. The second edition is set to begin in October, with the official draw scheduled for August. The teams will be split into two groups, with the top two from each group advancing to the semifinals.
Iraqi News
4 days ago
- Sport
- Iraqi News
Iraqi club Zakho to represent Iraq in 2025-2026 Gulf Champions League
Baghdad ( – The Arab Gulf Cup Football Federation announced today, Monday, the list of clubs participating in the second edition of the Gulf Champions League for Clubs 2025-2026. Eight clubs, nominated by their respective national federations, will compete, with Zakho FC representing Iraq. According to a statement from the Federation, reviewed by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), the participating clubs are: Zakho FC (Iraq), Al-Ain FC (United Arab Emirates), Sitra Club (Bahrain), Al-Shabab FC (Saudi Arabia), Al-Nahda Club (Oman), Al-Rayyan SC (Qatar), Tadhamon Hadramaut (Yemen), and Al-Qadsia SC (Kuwait). The Federation stated that the tournament aims to enhance football competition among Gulf clubs and provide a professional environment for exchanging technical expertise. This initiative is expected to contribute significantly to the development of football across the region. Zakho FC's nomination follows a distinguished domestic season. Notably, Iraqi club Duhok FC clinched the title in the inaugural edition of the tournament, defeating Kuwaiti side Al-Qadsia SC two-nil in the second leg of the final. SEO Additions Focus Keywords: Primary: Gulf Champions League Clubs, Zakho FC Iraq, Arab Gulf Cup Football Federation, Iraqi football, Al-Ain FC, Duhok FC, Al-Qadsia SC, Gulf football clubs, 2025-2026 football season, SEO Title Tag Suggestion: Iraqi club Zakho to represent Iraq in 2025-2026 Gulf Champions League (78 characters) Meta Description Suggestion: Zakho FC will represent Iraq in the 2025-2026 Gulf Champions League, featuring 8 clubs from across the region, as announced by the Federation. (159 characters) URL Slug Suggestion: /sports/football/zakho-fc-gulf-champions-league /news/iraq/iraqi-club-gulf-tournament Image Alt Text Suggestions: 'The logo of the Arab Gulf Cup Football Federation.' 'Players from Zakho FC celebrating a goal on a football pitch.' 'A graphic showing the list of participating clubs in the Gulf Champions League.' 'A football stadium filled with fans during a match.' 'The trophy for the Gulf Champions League for Clubs.'
Qatar Tribune
24-07-2025
- Sport
- Qatar Tribune
Al Rayyan to represent Qatar in Gulf Champions League
QNA Doha The Qatar Football Association (QFA) has announced that Al Rayyan Club has been selected to participate in the Gulf Champions League. The federation stated on its 'X' platform account that Al Rayyan will represent Qatari football in the regional competition for the upcoming 2025-2026 season. Al Rayyan was selected to participate in the tournament after finishing fifth in the 2024-2025 Ooredoo Stars League. The club will participate alongside seven other clubs approved by the Gulf Cup Federation to participate in the next edition of the tournament: Al Shabab of Saudi Arabia, Al Ain of the UAE, Al Qadisiyah of Kuwait, Al Nahda of Oman, Zakho of Iraq, Al Tadamon Hadramaut of Yemen, and Sitra of Bahrain. The tournament will kick off in October, preceded by a draw, which will divide the teams into two groups, with the first and second place winners from each group qualifying for the semi-finals. Iraqi club Duhok holds the title of the previous edition of the tournament after they beat Kuwaiti club Al Qadisiyah in the final.
Arab Times
22-07-2025
- Sport
- Arab Times
Al-Qadsiya eyes Iraqi star Ahmed as Kuwaiti Clubs ramp up transfers
KUWAIT CITY, July 22: Al-Qadsiya is actively pursuing Iraqi star Haroun Ahmed as part of its plans to strengthen the squad ahead of the upcoming season. According to Iraqi media reports, the club has entered serious negotiations with the 29-year-old Dohuk SC standout to bring him into the Kuwaiti Premier League. Haroun, who excels in both midfield and attacking roles, delivered a standout campaign in the recent Gulf Champions League. He was named the tournament's Best Player after guiding Dohuk to its first-ever title. He also helped his team win the Iraq Cup for the first time in club history. Al- Al-Qadsiya's Tunisian head coach, Nabil Maaloul, is seeking to finalize key signings before the team departs for its training camp in Turkey in mid-August, as preparations intensify for the Zain Premier League season, which begins on September 12. The club currently features Moroccan Mehdi Berrahma and Libyan Mohamed Soula. The future of fellow Moroccan Ismail Khafi remains uncertain, with his contract set to expire next June. Kuwait Club has parted ways with Moroccan defender Amin Abu Al-Fath, who recently completed a move to Wydad Casablanca. The club expressed gratitude for his contributions, which helped secure multiple titles during his time with the team. Abu Al-Fath becomes the second departure this off-season following the exit of his compatriot Yahya Jabrane. In turn, Kuwait Club has bolstered its ranks with the signing of English midfielder of Egyptian origin Sam Morsy. The club also renewed contracts for key foreign players: Bahrain's Mohammed Marhoon, Congo's Arsène 'Malik' Zola, and Tunisia's Yassine Khenissi. Syrian defender Abdullah Al-Shami is back in Kuwaiti football, having agreed to join Yarmouk SC for the new season. Al-Shami previously played for Al-Nasr and Al-Fahaheel and brings with him experience from regional stints with Al-Salt (Jordan), Al-Ahly and Al-Masry SC (Egypt), and Al-Tali'aa (Syria). He joins a growing list of foreign professionals at Yarmouk under national coach Zaher Al-Adwani, including Tunisian Hazem Haj Hassan, Malian Moriba Dialle, Ghanaian Robin Akwa, Congolese Lusoko, and former Al-Salmiya player Othman Al-Dosari. Al-Nasr Club has announced its preseason preparations will begin this Friday under the guidance of Tunisian head coach Jamil Belkacem. The team will train locally until early August before departing for a training camp in Turkey, where they are scheduled to play four friendly matches. Meanwhile, the club is reviewing profiles of several foreign players as it looks to finalize the signing of a fifth professional, focusing on strengthening the attacking line. Al-Nasr has already renewed contracts with four key players: Tunisians Hossam El-Habasi and Hekal El-Sheikhawi, Libyan Moatasem El-Lafi, and Serbian forward Nemanja Kujic.
Arab Times
17-07-2025
- Sport
- Arab Times
Maaloul: 10 years without a league title is unacceptable for Qadsia
KUWAIT CITY, July 17: Al-Qadsia began its preseason training at Farouq Ibrahim Stadium, led by Tunisian head coach Nabil Maaloul, as the team prepares for the upcoming Zain Premier League season starting on September 12. The first session saw 31 players in attendance, with training set to continue until the team departs for an overseas camp in early August, which will include several friendly matches. Before training commenced, Maaloul held a meeting with the players, urging them to give their utmost effort this season and emphasizing the importance of full commitment to achieve the club's goals. Speaking to the press after the session, Maaloul said, 'A club with Qadsia's history and prestige should never go ten years without winning the league title.' He vowed to intensify preparations to ensure the team is fully ready for all competitions. He added, 'Qadsia will compete in four domestic tournaments plus the Gulf Champions League, and we intend to fight for every trophy.' Maaloul noted that while Kuwaiti players are talented, they often lack motivation, pointing to the difference in the team's performances domestically versus in regional competitions. The coach stressed, 'Kuwaiti players have great potential but need to improve their work ethic, discipline, and focus.' He called for a change in mentality on the field and comprehensive readiness for every match, whether local or international. Media coordinator Abdullah Al-Ansari confirmed that new signings will be announced soon to strengthen the squad, alongside recent contract renewals. He said the coaching staff is keen to bring in quality players who will add strength and discipline to the team. Al-Ansari described a positive atmosphere within the team, stating, 'The players showed great enthusiasm in the locker room.' He also dismissed rumors about goalkeeper Hameed Al-Qallaf retiring, explaining that although he had been absent for two seasons, he had now officially returned. 'All goalkeepers have full support from the technical staff,' he added. Captain Bader Al-Mutawa missed the session but is expected to join training on Sunday. Moroccan Mehdi Berrahma is set to return on Saturday. The session included Libyan Mohamed Soula, Moroccan Ismail Khafi, goalkeeper Hameed Al-Qallaf, and several players from the under-20 youth squad. Assistant coach Saleh Al-Sheikh recently earned his PRO coaching license. He has served with Qadsia's first team for several seasons and will continue as part of Maaloul's staff this season.
