The Oman Football Association (OFA) has announced the schedule for the upcoming Omantel League season, which will commence on August 17. The 2023-24 edition of top domestic league will witness the participation of 12 clubs after the withdrawal of two qualified teams.
Notably, this season will see the absence of current runners-up Al Suwaiq and Al Musannah clubs, who have made the difficult decision to withdraw from the competition due to financial and administrative reasons. However, the league promises to be filled with excitement and anticipation as the remaining teams gear up for the league.
After it was proposed at the OFA table to change the league system to three rounds due to the withdrawal of Al Suwaiq and Al Musannah clubs. The matches will be organised in two rounds, offering intense rivalries and thrilling encounters. At the conclusion of the competition, two clubs will be relegated to the first division, ensuring that the stakes remain high throughout the league.
One of the exciting features of this year's league is the inclusive approach to player participation.
Not only will players registered in the first team have the opportunity to showcase their skills, but players from junior levels born in 2007 or later will also get a chance to shine in the league.
The league management has worked on the scheduling to maximise fan engagement and ensure convenient viewing options for football enthusiasts. Matches have been thoughtfully spread over 26 days, with 15 matches scheduled on weekends (Thursday, Friday, or Saturday) and 11 on other days. This strategic arrangement aims to encourage maximum attendance and participation
from the fans.
The league schedule was strategically designed to avoid conflicts with official working days.
This move is expected to promote increased attendance at the matches.
Moreover, the scheduling was meticulously planned to facilitate television transmission of a significant number of matches in each round, ensuring wider viewership for the league.
The league has taken into consideration of the external commitments of Al Nahda and Al Seeb clubs to ensure a seamless balance between league matches and other competitions. The first match for Al Seeb in the league, against Ibri, was postponed as the former OL champions will play their first play-off match in the AFC Champions League on August 15.
If Al Seeb qualify, they will play the second play-off match on August 22, the same day that Al Nahda play the AFC Cup play-off match. And in the event that Al Nahda and Al Seeb, or one of them, reach the group stage in their external participation, the league matches schedule will be on dates that do not conflict with Asian competitions.
With the season set to kick off on August 17, the first round will witness six matches. The opening match will see the first-division newcomer Al Shabab Club in a difficult test with defending champions Al Nahda Club at the Al Rustaq Complex, while the second match will feature a thrilling clash between Sur and Al Rustaq at the Sur Complex.
Three matches will be held on August 18, where newcomers Al Wahda Club will host Dhofar Club at Sur Complex, Bahla Club will play against Al Nasr at the Al Saada Complex in Dhofar and Sohar Club host Oman Club at the Sohar Complex.
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