Three FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 stadiums are set to host the AFC Champions League (West) matches from the group stage to the semi-finals, which will take place from September 14 to October 3, 2020.

Along with Jassim bin Hamad Stadium, which is home of former AFC Champions League winners Al Sadd SC, Khalifa International Stadium, Education City Stadium and Al Janoub Stadium will host matches during the tournament.

The tournament will be played over a total of 39 matches with 32 in the group stage, four round of 16 matches, two quarter-finals and one semi-final.

Commenting on the occasion, CEO of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Nasser Al Khater said, "Following last years FIFA Club World Cup this will be yet another substantial event that Qatar will host as one of a number of test events to maximize our preparedness well ahead of the FIFA World Cup in just over two years from now."

Following is a glimpse of the three stadiums that will host the 2020 AFC Champions League matches:

First, Khalifa International Stadium: Having previously hosted the 2017 Amir Cup final, 2006 Asian Games, 24th Arabian Gulf Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup 2019, to name a few, Khalifa International Stadium kicked off the tournament yesterday, and will continue to host teams in Group A, adding AFC Champions League to its illustrious hosting history.

The stadium was the first tournament-ready venue for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and was reopened in May 2017 following a successful redevelopment in preparation for hosting the worlds largest football tournament. The redevelopment included the integration of additional seats, a LED lighting system and cooling system which will ensure that the venue can be used year-round.

Situated in Aspire Zone, Qatars centre of sporting excellence, Khalifa International Stadium will host matches until the round of 16 and a third-place match in 2022, and after the tournament will remain Qatar's 40,000-seat national stadium.

Known for its critically acclaimed design which is inspired by traditional dhow boats and Qatar's seafaring past, Al Janoub Stadium was inaugurated during the Amir Cup 2019. It went on to host the semi-final of the 24th edition of the Arabian Gulf Cup in December 2019 and several QNB Stars League (QSL) matches.

Second, Al Janoub Stadium: Al Janoub Stadium will host most teams in Group B of the AFC Champions League as well as a round of 16 matches.

Located in Al Wakrah City, the 40,000-seat venue was the first purpose-built Qatar 2022 stadium to be completed. It features a retractable roof, which works alongside the stadium's innovative cooling technology to ensure that it can be used any time of year.

In 2022, the stadium will host matches until the round of 16. Following the tournament, the stadiums capacity will be reduced by half with 20,000 seats donated to football development projects in Qatar and around the world.

Third, Education City Stadium: Earlier this month, Education City Stadium hosted its first official match during the QSL 2020/2021 season opener between Al Sadd SC and Al Kharaitiyat SC. Its completion was announced in June 2020 through a specially programmed digital launch as a tribute to frontline healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic making it the third tournament-ready Qatar 2022 stadium.

Located in the heart of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF), Qatar's Diamond in the Desert boasts a capacity of 40,000 and is set to host matches up to and including the quarter-finals stage during 2022. It will host teams in Group C and round of 16 matches during the 2020 AFC Champions League.

Education City Stadium has achieved a five-star design and build sustainability rating from the Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS) and benefits from advanced cooling technologies that ensure comfortable temperatures year-round for players and fans.

After 2022, the stadiums capacity will be reduced by half, thanks to its modular design, with 20,000 seats donated to support the creation of sports facilities in developing countries around the world. The additional space will be redeveloped to feature a retail area, sporting facilities and two schools which will serve Qatar Foundation.

Source: QNA

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Vrinda Abilash

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