Muscat, 12 August
The top-tier Oman football league, the 'Omantel League,' for the 2024-2025 season will kick off with the first-round matches on August 15. The action starts at Al Saada Complex, where Dhofar will host Sur in an exciting opener. On the same day, Al Buraimi Complex will host the match between Al Nasr and last season's runners-up, Al Nahda.
Thursday's matches will conclude with the title-holders, Seeb, taking on Ibri at Seeb Stadium in a game anticipated to be intense, given the aspirations of both teams this season.
The first-round matches continue on Friday, with Seeb Stadium witnessing the clash between Oman Club and Saham Club, in a match where both teams seek to start strongly. Sohar Complex will also host the match between Al Rustaq and Sohar, an exciting confrontation between two teams with large fan bases. The round concludes with a match between Al Shabab and Al Khaboura at Al Rustaq Complex, with both teams aiming for a positive start to the season.
This round comes amid great anticipation from Omani fans, who are eager to see their favourite teams perform at their best in this new season. The first round is expected to feature strong competition and impressive football performances, as the teams seek to prove their capabilities and readiness to achieve their goals.
VAR Delayed
In other news, the Oman Football Association (OFA) has confirmed the postponement of the implementation of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology until further notice. This decision followed a meeting between Salim bin Saeed al Wahaibi, Chairman of the Oman Football Association, and the heads of the Omantel League clubs to discuss the application of VAR technology.
During the meeting, details of the technology's application in televised matches were explained. However, the clubs insisted on the principle of fairness in broadcasting all matches and applying the technology in accordance with Fifa regulations.
In this context, it was agreed that the OFA would coordinate with the relevant authorities in the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, and the Ministry of Information to find a suitable solution for television broadcasting, whether live or recorded, with the installation of VAR devices in all sports complexes to ensure fairness. The clubs were also given the opportunity to discuss their demands with officials from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, and the Ministry of Information.
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