The ‘Match for Hope’ Comes to a Thrilling Conclusion with Team Chunkz Victory

The funds raised from the match will be donated to Education Above All projects around the world

DOHA, Qatar –  Qatar Airways and Qatar Duty Free are proud to have supported ‘Match for Hope’, an initiative that connected world-renowned football legends and content creators for a friendly football match dedicated to raising funds for disadvantaged children and communities. The match was brought to its thrilling conclusion by the Chunkz win against AboFlah.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, said: "As one of the world’s leading airlines, we are proud to unite people through the power of sports and ensure our collective responsibility towards fostering a better tomorrow for disadvantaged communities globally. Today’s Match for Hope attracted thousands of people to join in our efforts as a country to promote peace, education, and respect for all, and we remain committed to organising more social events in the future in support of our communities.”

The two teams were comprised of famous content creators and World Cup football legends for a showdown match in the 45,000-capacity stadium, which has hosted seven matches during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, and seven matches during the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023.

Renowned social media influencers AboFlah and Chunkz came together to lead their respective teams for a live football match. The teams featured acclaimed football players including David Villa, Didier Drogba, Ricardo Kaká, and Roberto Carlos, coached by Antonio Conte and Arsène Wenger. All players participated in the Match for Hope on a pro bono basis.

The funds raised will be spread across multiple projects from Education Above All (EAA) in Mali, Pakistan, Palestine, Rwanda, Sudan, and Tanzania, for constructing classrooms, providing academic materials, connecting families to social programmes, teacher mentorship trainings, and more.

The Match for Hope event built on the legacy of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, bringing people together for a common goal of peace and education through football. The event was organised by Q Life, the cultural platform under the State of Qatar’s International Media Office (IMO), in collaboration with Education Above All (EAA), and Qatar Football Association (QFA). Qatar Airways, Visit Qatar and Qatar Duty Free were the official partners of this philanthropic match. As a key player in Qatar’s sports industry, Qatar Duty Free strengthens its commitment to supporting initiatives that highlight the unifying power of sport.

The Education Above All Foundation is a global foundation established in 2012 by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser. EAA aims to transform lives through education and create the right conditions to achieve Sustainable Development Goals for disadvantaged children and communities.

Learn more about Match for Hope: match4hope.com

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About Qatar Duty Free:

Featuring over 200 retail and dining outlets, Qatar Duty Free (QDF) is creating a new airport experience while reinventing airport shopping and dining for a new generation of travellers. Since its initial conception in 2000, with less than 50 staff members, QDF has grown to over 4,000 employees from 62 nationalities.

We offer diverse eating and shopping opportunities and unique ways to enjoy Hamad International Airport as well as being the launch pad for experiences not found anywhere else.

QDF sits within a unique, wider eco-system that also includes Qatar Airways (the parent company) and Hamad International Airport. This ‘trinity’ model of airport, retailer and airline creates a world-class airport retail experience for passengers. Each company harmonises with the other as part of an integrated ecosystem. Together, we provide our shared customer base with a 5-star experience, including innovative retail products, global brand firsts, exclusives and exceptional dining opportunities.

Qatar Duty Free has been named the 'World's Leading Airport Duty Free Operator 2022' and ‘the Middle East’s Leading Airport Duty Free Operator 2022’ in the World Travel Awards. QDF also won the 2022 "Best Customer Experience Airport Retailer” at Global Brands Magazine Awards, and recently scooped an unprecedented 12 titles at the Airport Food & Beverage (FAB) + Hospitality Awards 2023, including Airport Food & Beverage Offer of the Year. The award-winning travel retailer also scooped the top prize of Airport Retailer of the Year at the 2023 Frontier Awards, along with the Best New Shop Opening and Outstanding Contribution titles.

Hamad International Airport won the “World’s Best Airport for Shopping” at the SKYTRAX World Airport Awards 2023, attributed to Qatar Duty Free retail and F&B strategy to offer the best experience for passengers at the airport.