{
  "id": 1429097,
  "title": "Eight teams advance to quarterfinals in Football Tournament of Ministry of Awqaf",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/17/eight-teams-advance-to-quarterfinals-in-football-tournament-of",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-17T05:56:52.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Peninsula Qatar",
    "slug": "the-peninsula-qatar",
    "url": "https://thepeninsulaqatar.com/article/17/08/2026/eight-teams-advance-to-quarterfinals-in-football-tournament-of-ministry-of-awqaf"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Doha, Qatar - Eight teams have earned their spots in the quarterfinals of the second Football Tournament for Imams, Muezzins and their sons, organized by Qatar's Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs. The group stage concluded, paving the way for knockout matches on August 16 and 17 at Omar Bin Al Khattab Secondary School for Boys.\n\nTwenty teams participated in the group stage, displaying strong performances and enthusiastic involvement from imams, muezzins, and their sons. The tournament, one of the ministry's key summer sports initiatives, aims to foster social connections, encourage physical activity, and provide a competitive environment that integrates sport with social and educational values.\n\nThe eight teams advancing to the quarterfinals emerged from a fiercely competitive group stage that began on July 27. Each day, three matches were played, with participants showcasing impressive technical skills and maintaining fair play throughout the energetic sporting atmosphere.\n\nThe eight quarterfinalists were distinguished by their strong performances, tactical discipline, and outstanding teamwork. The tournament format balances sporting competition with the broader social objectives of the event.\n\nEach team consists of six starting players and six substitutes. At least two imams or muezzins must remain on the field during each match, ensuring the active participation of the target group and enhancing interaction between imams, muezzins, and their sons. The Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs seeks to improve the quality of life of imams, muezzins, and their sons through activities that encompass sporting, social, and educational dimensions.",
  "summary": "<p>Doha, Qatar: Eight teams have advanced to the quarterfinals of the second Football Tournament for Imams, Muezzins and their sons, organised by the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs through its Public Relations and Communications Department.</p> <p>The group stage has concluded, setting the stage for a new round of excitement and competition as the knockout matches to take place on August…",
  "key_points": [
    "Eight teams advance to quarterfinals of Football Tournament.",
    "Tournament organized by Qatar's Ministry of Awqaf.",
    "Quarterfinals scheduled for August 16 and 17."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The advancement of eight teams to the quarterfinals marks a milestone in the Ministry of Awqaf's efforts to foster social connections and encourage physical activity among imams, muezzins, and their sons.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}