Qatar Stars League to Expand Next Season

Doha, May 08 (QNA) - The Qatar Stars League (QSL) is poised to become more competitive and interesting with the addition of two more teams next season, Qatar Football Association has said. The number of teams participating in QSL will increase to 14 from the current 12. QFA President and QSL CEO Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani announced plans for the new season. The decision to increase the numbers of teams means Al Sailiya - who finished bottom of the league - will avoid relegation, theon QSL said. Muaither - who lost to Al Arabi in the play-offs - will join as the 14th team. The Second Division and the reserve league will also merge to create a stronger second tier, officials said. Al Sadd, Lekhwiya, Al Rayyan, Al Gharafa are the top four sides in QSL. Teams like Al Arabi, Al Ahil, Al Kharaitiyat, Umm Salal, Al Wakrah, Qatar SC, Al Khor and Al Sailiyah complete the 12-team tier last season. Al Sadd won the QSL title last month to dethrone two-times champions Lekhwiya, winners in the 2010-11 and 2011-12 seasons. (QNA)