Msakni, Nam, Xavi shortlisted for QFA Best Player Award

Doha: Al Duhail captain Youssef Msakni, team-mate Nam Tae Hee and Al Sadd skipper Xavi Hernandez were shortlisted for the Best Player Award as Qatar Football Association’s (QFA) Awards Committee Board meeting selected the final nominations for end-of-season honours on Tuesday.

Of a total of 52 forms that were sent out, 43 came back out of which 42 were complete. The winners will be announced at the end-of-season ceremony at the Qatar National Convention Center in Education City on Thursday, 17th May.

Football for All award and the best referee will also be announced at the gala event.

The Mansoor Muftah Award for the QNB Stars League top scorer will be presented to Duhail striker Youssef El Arabi who has 26 goals to his name.

QNB Stars League team coaches, Qatar national team coach, Qatar Olympic team coach, team managers, media representatives, representative of the QFA, representative of Qatar Stars League Management and the President and Board members of the QFA participated in the final voting process.

The following are the finalists in each of the three categories:

Best Player Award

Nam Tae-Hee, Youssef Msakni (both Al Duhail), Xavi Hernandez (Al Sadd)

Best Under-23 Player Award

Bassam Al Rawi, Almoez Ali (both Al Duhail), Salem Al Hajri (Al Sadd)

Best Coach Award

Michael Laudrup (Al Rayyan), Jesualdo Ferreira (Al Sadd), Djamel Belmadi (Al Duhail)