DOHA: Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani, President of
Qatar Football Association (QFA), on Sunday has received Mr. Plínio
David De Nes, president of Brzilian club Associação Chapecoense de
Futebol.
Last month, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed al Thani was in
Brazil where he offered his condolences in the back of the tragic crash
of the plan carrying the Chapecoense team to Colombia.
On 28 November 2016, a charter flight carrying the first team crashed a
s it approached José María Córdova International Airport near Medellín,
Colombia, where the team was travelling to play the first leg of the
2016 Copa Sudamericana final against Atlético Nacional, a match that
was seen as the biggest in the history of the club. All but six of the 77
passengers died; only three Chapecoense players survived their injuries.
Following the crash, Atlético Nacional made a request to the governing
body of the competition, CONMEBOL, that Chapecoense be awarded
the trophy.
Among the fatalities, was head coach, Caio Junior, who enjoyed great
success with Qatar Stars League side Al Gharafa, winning the 2009/2010
league title.
Mr. Plínio David De Nes thanked QFA for the heartfelt gesture when a
delegation headed by Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani
visited the birthplace of Caio Junior and paid their last respects to a
member of the extended Qatar football family.
He also expressed his gratitude for the invitation the under 17 Chapecoense
side received to feature at the Al Kass International Cup set to take place
later this month.
In their meeting held at Al Bidda Tower, the two officials discussed a series
of sport-related topics.
they also exchanged ideas on how to further develop sports in the two
countries.
The two officials later said it was their desire to promote sports awareness
in Brazil and Qatar at a large scale.
Later, the two officials exchanged mementos.
