DOHA: The Qatar Football Association (QFA) has issued new

directives for the development of second tier of football

for the 2017-18 season, announcing a new league for the

coming season.

According to details, the existing Qatargas League will be

scrapped and a new league competition for U-23 teams

will be launched in the 2017-18 season.

The teams in the new U-23 set up will have rosters of 23

players, including 3 residing in Qatar, teams are entitled

to field in two senior squad players in every match.

Next season will also witness the return of the second

division league in its old format; each club in the league

can register up to 26 players, including three foreigners,

one Asian player and one resident.

Black card holding players are allowed in the league

with two players for each club.

The new set-up has been devised to develop youth

football that could provide an improved player-base

for the Qatar national teams.