Doha Stadium Plus makes a strong case for local development
Hats off to the Doha Stadium Plus, a sports website and weekly based in Doha, Qatar. In a well written commentary and editorial, they take on local clubs, Al Sadd and El Jaish for fielding squads largely composed of European professionals. No need to rehash the articles in detail; Here are the links:
Doha Stadium Plus (5 Sep 2012): Commentary by Aju George Chris: Is Super Globe a Vanity Fair?
Doha Stadium Plus (5 Sep 2012): Editorial from the Editor in Chief, Dr Ahmed Al Mohannadi: Let’s bide our time and develop own champions
I must admit that my impression of Qatar was that is was an autocratic Arab state where the press toes the line and doesn’t critique the established sporting organizations. These articles blow that impression out of the water and make a strong case for Qatar to work harder to develop local talent. All the more relevant as there are rumors of even the national team getting stocked with mercenaries in preparation for the 2015 World Championships which will be hosted by Qatar.