Doha: The Qatar Football Association (QFA) and the Dutch Royal Football Association (KNVB) signed a Memorandum of Understanding at the QFA’s headquarters in Al Bidda Tower on Tuesday.

Mr. Mansoor Al Ansari, Secretary General, QFA, and Secretary General of KNVB, Mr. Gijs de Jong, signed the agreement, which focuses on areas of cooperation between the two parties.

The signing ceremony was also attended by H.E. Dr. Bahia Tahzib-Lie – Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Qatar, Mr. Johan van Geijn, International CSR Partnerships/WorldCoaches Director of KNVB, and Mr. Johan Neeskens, former well-known international football player of the Dutch national men’s team.

The two federations aim to establish a closer cooperation between themselves and this agreement intends to specify ways of sharing expertise and resources, while at the same time supporting the development of football in both nations.

The memorandum signed will see both associations invest in brotherly and bilateral relations and share expertise and experiences in the areas of training of technical personnel, sports science, and youth development.

Mansoor Al Ansari, Secretary General, QFA said, “We are proud to sign this cooperation agreement with The KNVB in order to develop our existing strong ties for the development and promotion of football in Qatar and the Netherlands. This is a great opportunity for us to exchange experiences and expertise in different aspects including national teams, grassroots football, youth development and player performance which will have a direct positive impact on football ahead of the World Cup in Qatar.”

Commenting on the occasion, Mr. de Jong said, “A Cooperation with Qatar FA fits perfect in our International Strategy, where we want to be seen as an open and Innovative Association, looking for impact and working for the Future of our Football. We see similarities with QFA, both being responsible for football in smaller countries within the Football Family and we can learn a lot from each other. Cooperation in Football is important for developments towards the Future, related to a fair, equal and transparent game, which is played and watched worldwide by millions. That gives us joy, but also responsibilities. Football is all about collaboration and communication, about fair play, respect for diversity and dealing with frustrations. We can help children looking at Healthy Lifestyle and teach social skills to our children in a fun way through football, which will benefit them in all aspects of their life.”

H.E. Dr. Bahia Tahzib-Lie – Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Qatar stated: “We are delighted that Qatar Football Association and the Royal Dutch Football Association signed today a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance bilateral cooperation. It demonstrates the strong commitment of the Netherlands to enthusiastically work with Qatar towards a more vibrant and diverse sports sector. The development of female football features prominently in the MoU. This is important as football has huge potential to empower. We are also thrilled that the signing of the MoU takes place shortly after Russia handed over the relay baton for hosting the FIFA World Cup 2022 to Qatar. It is amazing to see how Qatar works hard towards its success and overcoming the challenges that lie in its way. The Netherlands is happy to help create a lasting positive legacy.”

The delegation was also present for the opening of the refresher women WorldCoaches program held at the headquarters of the Qatar Women Sports Committee.

Following the official meeting, Mr. de Jong and his accompanying delegation were then given an exclusive tour of Al Bidda Tower’s ‘Legacy Pavilion’ – which brings to life the plans for the 2022 FIFA World Cup™. The Dutch delegation also made stops at Aspire Sports Academy, Aspetar (Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Hospital) and the soon to be opened state of the art national teams club.