Champions League: Olivier Giroud makes Arsenal return with Lille

Today marks the commencement of the third edition of the Gulf Champions League, a competition featuring 12 teams from Gulf member national associations. Organized by the Gulf Football Federation, this season's tournament seeks to elevate the standard of regional club competitions and foster more intense competition among Gulf clubs.

The tournament kicks off with six matches scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday, setting the stage for the group stage where eight spots in the quarterfinals await. The opening match sees Neom, a Saudi side, hosting Yemen's Shaab Hadramout in Tabuk, while Qatar's Al-Qatar takes on Iraq's Al-Zawraa at Suhaim bin Hamad Stadium in Doha.

In another Group B fixture, UAE's Al-Nasr faces Bahrain's Al-Riffa at Al Maktoum Stadium in Dubai. The opening round continues with Qatar's Al-Duhail hosting Oman's Al-Shabab at Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium in Doha, Saudi club Al-Ettifaq playing against Kuwait's Kazma at Al-Ettifaq Stadium in Dammam, and UAE's Ajman contesting with Iraq's Erbil at Rashid bin Saeed Stadium.

The group stage runs until February 17, 2027, and quarterfinal matches will be held from March 2 to 17, 2027. The semifinals and final are scheduled between April 23 and 30, 2027.