DOHA (Qatar): Four majestic stadiums are designated to host the West Asia group matches of 2020 AFC Champions League that started on Monday.
Action in the West Zone returns after some seven months, with the COVID-19 pandemic having brought football across the world to a halt.
Matches are being played at the Al Janoub Stadium, Khalifa Stadium, Education City Stadium and Jassim bin Hamad Stadium.
Al Janoub Stadium, Khalifa Stadium and Education City Stadium will all host FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 matches.
Khalifa International Stadium
The Khalifa International Stadium will host Group A of the 2020 AFC Champions League.
Built in the capital of Qatar, Doha, in 1976, it was completely refurbished and officially re-opened in 2017, with a capacity of 40,000. It will host matches at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 through to the quarterfinals.
It has a modern design and is equipped with cooling technology, along with new dual arches that represent continuity and the embrace of fans from all across the globe.
Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli Saudi FC, Al Shorta of Iraq and Islamic Republic of Iran’s Esteghlal FC will feature in Group A. UAE’s Al Wahda FSCC are the fourth team in the group but they informed the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) that they are unable to travel to Qatar for the competition after several members of the club tested positive for COVID-19.
The matter has been referred to the relevant AFC Committees for a decision in accordance with the applicable regulations.
Al Janoub Stadium
Al Janoub Stadium, located by the coast in the city of Al Wakrah, will host Group B matches featuring UAE’s Shabab Al Ahli Dubai, Shahr Khodro FC of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal SFC and Pakhtakor of Uzbekistan.
The 40,000 capacity Al Janoub Stadium will host FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 matches up to the quarter-finals. Opened last year, it is the first stadium to be built from scratch and to be ready to host FIFA World Cup matches. Iraqi architect Zaha Hadid, in designing the stadium, was inspired by the nature of the coast – sailing, maritime trade and fishing.
Education City Stadium
Education City Stadium will be the venue for Group C, which includes Qatar’s Al Duhail, Al Taawoun of Saudi Arabia, Iran’s Persepolis and Sharjah of UAE. It will also be the venue for the Round of 16 matches between the Group C winners and Group D runners-up and the Group D winners against the Group C runners-up.
Education City Stadium will host FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 matches up to the quarter-finals and has a capacity of 40,000. In line with the FIFA World Cup plans, 20,000 seats from the stadium will be donated to developing countries after the tournament.
Jassim bin Hamad Stadium
Group D action will be at the Jassim bin Hamad Stadium with Qatar’s Al Sadd of Qatar, Al Ain of UAE, Iran’s Sepahan of Iran and Al Nassr of Saudi Arabia bidding for the two knockout stage tickets.
Home of Al Sadd, Jassim bin Hamad Stadium has been a feature on Doha’s sporting landscape for 45 years. Rebuilt in 2004 ahead of hosting the Gulf Cup, it also plays home to Qatar’s national team, who are the reigning AFC Asian Cup winners.
The two quarter-finals and semi-final of the 2020 AFC Champions League West Zone will also be played at the Jassim bin Hamad Stadium.
