Doha: The Qatar Football Association (QFA) has unveiled the schedule for the preliminary stage of the 53rd edition of the prestigious Amir Cup, for the 2024/2025  season. This phase will feature the eight second-division clubs competing in a high-stakes knockout format, with four teams advancing to the Round of 16. Scheduled for April 21, the preliminary matches will pit the top eight second-division teams from the ongoing league season against each other, based on their final standings after the league concludes on April 16. The pairings will follow a strict hierarchy: 1st vs. 8th, 2nd vs. 7th, 3rd vs. 6th, and 4th vs. 5th. Any drawn matches will proceed to 30 minutes of extra time (split into two 15-minute halves), followed by penalties if necessary. This year marks the second consecutive edition of the Amir Cup to include 20 teams – a historic expansion from the previous 17. Twelve clubs from the Qatar Stars League (top tier) and eight from the second division will vie for glory, with the latter entering the fray during this preliminary knockout round. The QFA will announce specific match timings and venues at a later date.