Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani, President of the Gulf Cup Football Federation and President of the Qatar Football Association, suffered a minor health issue that required him to undergo some medical tests and examinations to check on his health condition.
According to sources, Sheikh Hamad is currently under medical observation as a precautionary measure, pending the completion of the necessary examinations and assurance of his health status.
This comes as the Under-17 Gulf Cup of Nations, hosted by Qatar, kicks off. Friday's matches witnessed the host Qatari national team lose to its Chinese counterpart two goals to nil, while the UAE national team defeated Bahrain two goals to one.
The opening round held on Saturday saw the Egyptian national team defeat its Saudi counterpart by five goals to nil, while the Yemeni national team overcame its Iraqi counterpart two goals to nil.
The Saudi national team is scheduled to meet its Yemeni counterpart in the second round at Hamad bin Khalifa Stadium, while the Egyptian team will face its Kuwaiti counterpart at Saud bin Abdulrahman Stadium.
Al-Shamal, the Qatari League runners-up, fell into the trap of a disappointing 0-0 draw against Lusail on Saturday, in the sixth round, which also saw Al-Sailiya snatch its first point by drawing 2-2 with Qatar SC.
In the first match, the team of Spanish coach David Prats could not avoid stumbling, despite calling upon veteran Algerian star Riyad Mahrez, who appeared for the first time as a substitute starting from the 60th minute, bringing their tally to nine points in fifth place.
On the other hand, the new top-flight newcomer earned its sixth point and remained in ninth place.
Mahrez had arrived in Doha last Monday and successfully passed his medical examination before the signing of his contract was delayed due to procedures related to registering him on the club's roster with the Qatar Football Association.
The Algerian star was registered in Al-Shamal's squad to replace Moroccan Mohammed Rabie Hrimat, who suffered a torn cruciate ligament during the team's match against Al-Gharafa in the second round of the Qatari League.
In the second match, Al-Sailiya snatched a last-gasp draw against Qatar SC to earn its first point in the tournament, but remained in last place, while Qatar SC reached its third point to sit in second-to-last place.
The round concludes on Sunday with two summit clashes: Al-Sadd against Al-Duhail, and Al-Gharafa against Al-Rayyan.
Morocco's RS Berkane moved closer to qualifying for the CAF Champions League group stage after a 2-0 away win over Sierra Leone's Star Sport Academy on Saturday.
The match was played in Paynesville, Liberia, as Sierra Leonean stadiums are not approved by the Confederation of African Football.
Ossama Lamlioui scored the Moroccan team's two goals in the 14th and 45th minutes.
At the same time, Mauritania's FC Nouadhibou lost 1-2 to their hosts, Ivory Coast's San Pédro.
Abie Kassy and Mohamadou Karamoko scored the Ivorian team's goals in the 11th and 98th minutes, while Mohamed Said scored the visitors' only goal in the 39th minute.
Earlier on Saturday, Tanzania's Young Africans defeated their hosts Andoharanofotsy, the Madagascar champions, 4-0, and Orlando Pirates defeated their hosts African Stars of Namibia 1-0.
The first-leg matches will continue on Sunday, while the return legs will be played a week later.
