Ministry of Youth and Sports says

Karbala Stadium ready to host Al-Shorta in AFC Champions League, Iraq Stars League

2024-08-18 | 19:15

KARBALA — Iraq’s Ministry of Youth and Sports confirmed Sunday that Karbala Stadium is ready to host Al-Shorta’s matches in the upcoming AFC Champions League Elite, as well as the 2024-2025 Iraq Stars League season.

Al-Shorta, reigning champions of the 2023-2024 Iraq Stars League and Iraq Cup, will play home games in the AFC Champions League Elite against clubs including Pakhtakor (Uzbekistan), Al Ain (UAE), Al Nassr (Saudi Arabia), and Al Wasl (UAE). Away matches are scheduled against Al Hilal (Saudi Arabia), Persepolis (Iran), Esteghlal Tehran (Iran), and Al Ahli (Saudi Arabia).

Hussam Hassan, spokesperson for the Ministry of Youth and Sports, emphasized the ministry’s dedication to preparing the stadium for the arrival of teams and fans. “All necessary resources and requirements have been provided to our engineering and technical teams to present Karbala Stadium, along with all other stadiums, in the best possible condition to welcome our guests,” Hassan said in a statement from the ministry.

He added that regular maintenance is conducted after each match held at these stadiums, including Karbala Stadium. “The pitch is ready, the stands, generators, lighting systems, and other organizational and service-related aspects are in place,” he said.

Hassan also mentioned that the referees’ rooms and players’ locker rooms are now fully prepared. The ministry is looking forward to welcoming fans and their enthusiastic support as they rally behind Al-Shorta in their first home match against Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr on September 16, 2024, in the AFC Champions League Elite.

The league stage of the AFC Champions League Elite will feature 24 clubs divided into two regions, West and East, running from September 16, 2024, to February 19, 2025. Each team will face eight different clubs, with four home matches and four away matches.

The top eight teams from each region will advance to the Round of 16, scheduled for March 2025. The tournament will proceed with knockout stages, beginning with the quarter-finals. Saudi Arabia will host the final stages of the competition, culminating in the final on May 4, 2025.