Oman football to benefit from five-year deal with Qatar FA

Muscat: In a landmark agreement, Oman Football Association (OFA) has signed a five-year co-operation deal with Qatar Football Association (QFA), with a top Omani official describing it as beneficial for the sport in the country.
The OFA and QFA entered a new era of football co-operation when Oman football chief Sheikh Salim Al Wahaibi and his Qatari counterpart Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani signed the documents in Doha on Thursday.
While the agreement is aimed at mutual co-operation and the development of football in both countries, OFA General Secretary Said bin Othman Al Balushi said the deal will benefit the Sultanate’s football since Oman gets the opportunity utilise the modern facilities at world-renowned Aspire Academy as well as world’s leading sports medicine hospital Aspetar.
Briefing the local media about the agreement at OFA headquarters on Monday, Said bin Othman Al Balushi said the agreement ‘confirms the desire of the two associations to consolidate relations and develop a mechanism leading to co-operation in various fields, including administrative and technical areas’.
“As per the agreement we will have co-operation in various aspects, including conducting competitions, technical and educational courses, study programmes and conferences, as well as the organising training camps for the national teams and clubs in both countries,” Al Balushi said.
“At the professional and technical level, this agreement enhances the co-operation in administrative, regulatory and sports information, marketing, technical training and referee development,” he said.
Describing the Qatar FA’s experience in the field of marketing as rich and innovative, he said Oman will benefit from this co-operation and will gain in experience in the field of marketing.
“As per the agreement, we will also benefit from utitlising the facilities at Aspire Academy and Aspetar Hospital,” he added.
While revealing that a special committee, comprising members from both associations, will be formed soon to follow up and implement the plans, he said: “The Omani clubs will also benefit from this agreement in terms of playing and organising friendly matches, training camps and technical courses.”