MUSCAT: Oman’s Al Shabab Club officially submitted a bid to the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) to host the remaining West Asian knockout matches of the 2025-26 AFC Challenge League in Muscat under a centralised format. The bid was submitted on Wednesday, one day ahead of the official deadline, reflecting the club’s readiness to stage a major continental event in the Sultanate of Oman.
Shaikh Khalid al Maawali, Vice-Chairman of Al Shabab Club and head of Al Shabab's bid project, affirmed that the submission and provided key updates regarding the revised match schedule. “According to the latest communication from the AFC, the quarterfinal fixtures have been rescheduled. Al Shabab will now face Kuwait SC on April 19 instead of the previously announced April 6. On the same day, Al Ansar FC will meet FC Muras United. The winners of both matches will advance to the West Asia semifinal scheduled for April 21,” he said.
As part of its proposal, Al Shabab selected the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex as the main venue for the matches. The schedule outlined in the bid includes the first quarterfinal match between Al Ansar FC and FC Muras United which will start at 5 pm and it will be followed by Al Shabab’s clash against Kuwait SC at 9 pm.
Al Maawali noted that FC Muras United are also considering to submit a hosting bid. “We are fully prepared to host the matches in Muscat and are awaiting the AFC’s final decision in the coming days,” he ended.
TRAINING FACILITIES
The club also proposed a range of training venues to accommodate participating teams, including Seeb Stadium, the Royal Court Affairs Stadium in Al Khoudh, and Al Amerat Club facilities. Final confirmations for these venues are currently being coordinated. In terms of fan engagement, the hosting plan includes ticketing entry for most matches with prices starting from RO 1. However, Al Shabab supporters will be granted free access to their team’s match, while VIP access will be managed through invitations.
On the field, Al Shabab are continuing to show competitive form under the leadership of head coach Eelco Schattorie. The Barka and Wadi Al Maawil-based side currently is placed second at the domestic Jindal League standings with 41 points, four points behind leaders Seeb Club. The ream suffered recently to a 2-1 defeat to Al Nasr Club, the team had earlier secured an important 2-1 victory over Sohar Club, maintaining strong momentum ahead of their continental campaign.
The AFC had previously confirmed that the remaining knockout fixtures in the West Asian region will be played in a centralised format, with the host nation to be announced following the evaluation of submitted bids.
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