DOHA: Jassim Al Kaabi, Director of Security for the Local Organizing Committee of the AFC Champions League, East Zone matches, has affirmed that all security matters related to the tournament are proceeding following the international standards approved by the AFC and FIFA.

In an interview to the Qatar Football Association (QFA) website, Al Kaabi pointed out that security work teams were formed before the start of the competitions, as coordination took place at the highest levels to get the tournament in the best organizational form.

Al Kaabi said: “We have previously worked in the AFC Champions League matches of the West Zone and we had great success. We are following the same formula for success. Of course, we are careful about the trying circumstances we find ourselves in because of the COVID-19 pandemic. This represents a challenge, but we are dealing with everything appropriately.”

The Director of the Security confirmed that the championship operations had been merged with the security authorities in the state in coordination with the security committee, which includes all the security authorities in the State of Qatar headed by H E the Prime Minister and the Minister of Interior, in order to provide the highest levels of security for delegations and teams from participating clubs and media professionals from the moment of their arrival.

The security detail involves looking after players, officials and delegations from the moment they land at the Hamad International Airport and then when they are taken to the hotels, the match venues and training facilities.

Al Kaabi said the event’s security apparatus is working on a template approved by the AFC and FIFA.

Al Kaabi said: “Qatari security officials along with the presence of overseas experts are working in coordination at all places where security is needed 24×7. Our standards are high. All of this is helping us prepare for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.”