November 21 – The Local Organising Committee of the Asian Cup Qatar 2023 are to donate tournament ticket sales to humanitarian relief initiatives in Palestine.
The money will be specifically used to provide medical support and food relief to people in Palestine, emphasised the Qatar LOC.
Hamas is politically headquartered in Qatar and the Qataris have been central in negotiations over a potential truce agreement between Hamas and Israel.
The news of the humanitarian relief money comes as reports grow that a ceasefire is close to agreement that would allow for the release of civilian hostages by Hamas (potentially 50-100 according to reports) and release of 300 Palestinians from Israeli prisons.
Qatar is hosting the Asian Cup for the third time (it also hosted in 1988 and 2011), from January 12 to February 10.
Yesterday a second release of tickets to the nine stadia that will host 51 matches went on sale.
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, chairman of the Qatar LOC, said that football was a means of showing solidarity with the people of Palestine. Palestine have a team that has qualified for the tournament.
“In light of recent events in Palestine, we must provide all the necessary aid to support our brothers and sisters during this difficult time. As such, we have decided to donate ticketing revenue generated from the Asian Cup in Qatar to much needed relief efforts in Palestine,” said Sheikh Hamad.
“By working with our partners that are providing aid support, we will be certain that this corporate social responsibility initiative will benefit those most affected, and that football fulfills its role as a support mechanism for people during the most difficult of times.”
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