Qatar's AZF takes over Belgian football club

Qatar's Aspire Zone Foundation (AZF) said on Wednesday it has taken over control and management of a Belgian second division club.

The Foundation, which was established by Emiri decree in 2008 to develop sports champions and the sports economy, said in a statement that it had acquired KAS Eupen.

The agreement stipulates that AZF oversees the management of the football-related activities of KAS Eupen.

The statement said the move was part of plans by AZF to identify future talents of world football through its Aspire Academy project. It did not give financial details of the agreement.

Under the agreement, young players at the Aspire Academy will be given the chance to play for the Belgian club.

Ivan Bravo, director general of Aspire Academy, said: “We are extremely pleased with the AZF–KAS Eupen agreement. Our aspiring Aspire and AFD players will be given the chance to play professionally, ultimately furthering their football careers.”

Dr Andreas Bleicher, advisor to AZF, added: "It is very clear that with Aspire Football Dreams we have only one goal: the development of football talent. We want to help the young players make their dreams come true.

"Being a professional football player in a club like KAS Eupen is the necessary next step for them to make this vision come to life."