Trophy tour, fan village to be launched for HM Cup final

MUSCAT: Muscat Governorate unveiled on Wednesday evening the organisational and operational details of the final match of the His Majesty the Sultan’s Cup Football Championship for the 2025/2026 season, set to bring together Oman Club and Al Nahda Club on February 14 at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Bausher.
The announcement was made during a press conference held at the iconic 'Frankincense Burner' landmark in Riyam Park, Muttrah, attended by Shaikh Talal bin Saif al Hosni, Wali of Qurayat and representative of Muscat Governorate, Hisham bin Juma al Sinani, Chairman of the Main Committee for the Cup Final and Director General of Sports Care and Development at the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth; and Mohammed bin Sulaiman al Yahmadi, Secretary-General of the Oman Football Association (OFA).
The press conference was moderated by media professional Hussain bin Rashid al Omairi, who described the final of the ‘Most Prestigious Cup’ as the most important event on Oman’s football calendar, highlighting its historical and national significance since the tournament’s launch in the 1970s.

He noted that the competition has accompanied Oman’s Blessed Renaissance and continues its journey during the Renewed Renaissance under the leadership of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik.
Shaikh Talal al Hosni expressed his pride in Muscat hosting the final, emphasising that the event reflects the vision of empowering governorates and linking sport with tourism and economic development.
“This hosting aligns with the vision of His Majesty the Sultan and the objectives of Oman’s Sports Strategy 2040,” he said, noting that Muscat’s historical, cultural and tourism assets, along with its advanced infrastructure, position it well to deliver an exceptional edition of the final.
TROPHY TOUR
Al Hosni revealed that the accompanying activities include a Trophy Tour across Muscat Governorate’s six wilayats, allowing the public to interact directly with the prestigious trophy ahead of the final. He explained that the tour will highlight Muscat’s heritage and major tourist landmarks, strengthening community engagement and adding a cultural dimension to the sporting event.

Hisham al Sinani confirmed the full readiness of the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex to host the final, praising the integrated partnership between the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, the Office of the Governor of Muscat and the OFA.
He stressed that cooperation between government entities and partners is key to delivering a final worthy of the competition’s national stature, adding that hosting finals across different governorates supports development goals and sports tourism in line with Oman Vision 2040.
VAR, RAISE IN PRIZE MONEY
Mohammed bin Sulaiman al Yahmadi stated that the OFA has mobilised all its committees and resources to ensure a successful final, confirmed that the OFA's Board of Directors, chaired by Sayyid Sulaiman bin Hamoud al Busaidy, continues to prioritise the development of the competition.
This includes increasing financial prizes at various stages and implementing Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology in knockout rounds to enhance refereeing fairness. Al Yahmadi also highlighted the competition’s strategic partnership with Omantel, the official sponsor and the launch of dedicated digital platforms documenting the tournament’s history and past champions.
The conference also announced the launch of a Fan Village, offering a family-friendly experience that includes a historical pavilion, interactive activities for youth and children and opportunities for small and medium enterprises to showcase their products, supporting the local economy.