Sharjah: The Royal team will start their title-defence from Group A after a total of 16 teams confirmed their participation at the second Sharjah Ramadan Football Championship (SRFC), to be held during the month of Ramadan.
The Royal team have been clubbed with Al Watania, Al Bahri and Al Burkan in Group A, while Sports 4 All, Al Ameed and Extra head Groups B, C and D respectively. The Royal team got the better of Al Humaidi 5-3 to win the inaugural edition of the tournament last year with Mohammad Abdullah Moustafawi from Al Jawarih being named the topscorer with nine goals.
The announcement was made by Mohammad Hassan Khalaf, Director General, Sharjah Media Corporation, and Rashid Al Obaid, Director, Sharjah Sports Channel, in the presence of the higher organising committee of the tournament.
Sharjah Sports, a dedicated sports channel from the Sharjah Media Corporation (SMC) fold, will be beaming all matches live from Sharjah Sports and Cultural Club starting from May 30. The tournament is held under the patronage of Shaikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah.
A total of Dh500,000 is on offer with the winners taking home Dh200,000 while the runners-up will receive Dh100,000 and the third-placed team will get Dh50,000. In addition there will be prizes for star performers in the tournament.
From May 30, all matches will start at 10.30pm, with three games being held daily during the qualifying phases. Each match will be 15 minutes without stoppage, while the semi-finals and final on June 12 will be played over 20 minutes.
Groupings
Group A: Royal, Al Watania, Al Bahri, Al Burkan
Group B: Sports 4 All, CR7, La Magica, Al Alami
Group C: Al Ameed, Al Embrator, Forsan Al Muwaleef, Al Zaeem
Group D: Extra, Al Jawarih, Al Hamriya, Markaz Al Shabab.
