The Q-League, or Qatar Stars League to use its most up to date name, is the highest level of professional football in the Middle Eastern state of Qatar, sitting above the Qatargas League in the Qatari football hierarchy. Read on as we take a closer look at this lesser known league and offer up a little history and betting insight for those interested in a wager on Qatari football.
Until relatively recently the notion of betting on Qatari football would probably have been a joke to many. However, globalisation and the development of live streaming services means that watching and betting on leagues such as the Q-League is growing in popularity. The rise of Qatari football has been and will continue to be, helped by the awarding of the 2022 World Cup to this tiny country. As such we expect the expanding range of betting markets available on this competition to continue to grow and as more and more bookies cover the Qatar Stars League, the betting opportunities for the savvy punter will also develop.
One thing every betting fan should be aware of is our live odds comparison, which brings you the best odds on football in Qatar. Whether you fancy a bet on the outright winner market or just want the best match odds, our odds comparison brings you the biggest odds with the least fuss.
For those already versed in betting on Qatari football, the name of Al-Sadd SC may well be familiar. Al-Sadd, based in the capital, Doha, are the most successful club in the history of pro Qatari football, having won the league title a record 13 times. Al-Rayyan SC and Qatar SC, based in Al Rayyan and Doha respectively, are currently tied on eight titles, although two other clubs, Al-Gharafa SC and Al-Arabi SC have seven Q-League championships to their name.
Given the league was only created relatively recently, in 1963, this shows that no single club really dominates football in the country in the same way as, for example, Celtic in Scotland, or Real Madrid and Barcelona in Spain.
This keeps things interesting for those betting on the Q-League, although picking through the contenders in the outright odds at the start of the season is, of course, somewhat tricky. For those prepared to put the time into researching Qatari football though, there is sure to be some great value, especially in the match odds.
There are currently 14 teams in the Q-League, with one team being relegated each season to be replaced by the champions of the Qatargas League. The Qatar Stars League has expanded over the past five years or so and with 18 teams in the second tier there is certainly scope for further expansion.
The league follows a fairly standard format, although the top four sides at the end of the normal season play in the Qatar Crown Prince Cup, giving fans even more scope to bet on this developing league.
Of course, the Q-League cannot compete with the top European leagues but with the World Cup as a catalyst we expect it to grow and attract better players and more media exposure. With that will come increased bookmaker coverage, better odds and more markets, so why not get into the Q-League now and be ahead of the game?