LONDON: The draw ceremonies for the 2017-18 Arabian Gulf League (AGL) and Cup (AGC) were held at the UAE Football Association’s (UAE FA’s) headquarters in Dubai on Thursday.
AGL champions Al Jazira were drawn in Group A for the AGC, while cup holders Al Ahli — who are now known as Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai Club following a close-season merger with cross-city rivals Al Shabab and Dubai Club — were placed in Group B.
Newly-promoted Ajman, Al Ain, Al Dhafra, Al Nasr and Hatta were pitted against Jazira, while Shabab Al Ahli Dubai Club will face Al-Wahda, Al-Wasl, Dibba, Emirates and Sharjah — who themselves joined forces with Al-Shaab this summer.
The first round of the AGC competition will see Jazira travel to Dhafra and Al Ain play host to Hatta. Nasr will meet Ajman and Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai Club travel to Wahda. Sharjah entertain Emirates and Hatta take a trip to Wasl.
The new format of the tournament will incorporate a one-leg, round-robin league, with the top four teams in each group making it through to the knockout last-eight phase which will be played over two legs.
The semifinals will also be played over 180 minutes, although the final will be a one-off encounter played at a neutral ground.
Meanwhile, in terms of the AGL draw, champions Jazira will begin the defense of their championship crown at home to Ajman and Al Ain welcome Wasl to Hazza bin Zayed Stadium.
The rebranding of Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai Club shall make their inaugural appearance at home to Hatta.
Emirates, Sharjah and Wahda will host Dhafra, Nasr and Dibba respectively.
Further information on the AGL and AGC draws can be found at the official AGL website at: uae.agleague.ae
Arabian Gulf League and Cup draws held at UAE FA’s Dubai headquarters
Arabian Gulf League and Cup draws held at UAE FA’s Dubai headquarters
