MUSCAT: The 14th Royal Court Affairs Football Championship (RCAFC) kicked off on Sunday, November 9, in Salalah with the participation of 14 teams, divided into three competitive groups, marking the start of one of the most anticipated sporting events among the Royal Court Affairs units.
Group A features teams from the General Directorate of Human Resources, the General Directorate of Transport, Royal Establishments, Royal Hospitality and the General Directorate of Audit.
Group B includes the Royal Court Affairs Security Unit, the Royal Cavalry, the General Directorate of Veterinary Services, the Office of the Secretary General of Royal Court Affairs and the General Directorate of Supply.
Meanwhile, Group C brings together the Royal Gardens and Farms, the Royal Farm in Razat, the General Directorate of Finance and the General Directorate of Information Technology and Communications.
This year’s championship has drawn wide interest across all participating units, reflecting the event’s significance in fostering teamwork, sportsmanship and camaraderie among staff members.
The 13th edition of the tournament, held in 2024, saw the General Directorate of Transport crowned champions for the third time, following previous victories in 2018 and 2017.
The Royal Cavalry remain the most successful team in the competition’s history with five titles 2014, 2012, 2011, 2010 and 2008, while the Royal Court Affairs Security Unit have claimed the trophy three times 2019, 2015 and 2009, The Royal Gardens and Farms team captured the title once in 2013.
Meanwhile, Muscat is gearing up to host the quarterfinal stage of the championship on Wednesday, November 12, following an intense group stage that featured 17 teams battling for qualification.
The group stage concluded with eight teams advancing to the knockout round.
From Group A, the General Directorate of Supply topped the table with 10 points from three wins and a draw, followed by the Royal Yachts team with 9 points from three wins and one defeat.
In Group B, defending champions General Directorate of Transport advanced with 7 points from two wins and one draw, joined by the Royal Court Affairs Security Unit with the same points.
From Group C, the Royal Hospitality team qualified with 7 points from two wins and a draw, alongside the Royal Cavalry, who secured 6 points from two victories and one loss.
The quarterfinal matches are expected to deliver high intensity encounters among the top teams, as they compete for a place in the championship final. The 14th edition of the Royal Court Affairs Football Championship continues to embody the spirit of teamwork, unity and sporting excellence that defines the institution’s athletic culture.
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