DOHA: Qatar Football Association (QFA) and West Asian Football Federation (WAFF) announced yesterday that Qatargas will be supporting the much-anticipated 8thWest Asian Football Federation Championship for Men by sponsoring the prize money for the first, second and third-place winning teams. Tournament champions will receive $300,000 in prize money, while the runners-up will get $200,000, and the third-place winners will be awarded $100,000. This a huge increase from last edition’s coffers of $100,000 With the participation of nine nati onal teams, including Qatar, Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Palestine and Saudi Arabia, this major football championship will kick-off on December 25 and will conclude on January 7. Commenting on the occasion, Saoud al-Mohannadi, CEO of the championship said: “We greatly thank Qatargas for their immense contribution to this key championship. This demonstrates that Qatargas and QFA focus significantly on the development of the football scene in Qatar. Qatargas’ support for the championship is greatly valued andit showcases that QFA and Qatargas are constantly seeking ways to build on the strong existing relationship through collaboration and support of different tournaments in Qatar.” Fadi Zuraikat, general secretary of WAFF said: “We thank Qatargas for their support in sponsoring the awards of the 8th WAFF Championship for Men. This illustrates how Qatargas values the importance of this key regional championship. We must also thank the Qatar Football Association in ensuring that this championship is organised to the highest level of standards. Commenting on Qatargas’ support to the championship, Qatargas COO (Administration) Ghanim Mohamed al-Kuwari, said, “Qatargas’ contribution by sponsoring the championship’s prize money demonstrates our commitment to encourage sports and be part of the State of Qatar’s efforts to be one of the world’s leading sports destinations. Our association with the game of football in Qatar forms part of Qatargas’ corporate social responsibility programme in the field of sports, in full alignment with the Qatar National Vision 2030.” Since 2000, WAFF is the first ever regional federation in Asia to provide prize money for the first three teams.