DOHA, Qatar--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Volleyball Club World Championships (FIVB) – DOHA 2010 are set to take center stage in the Qatari capital of Doha on Wednesday, 15 December 2010. Eight male teams and six female teams will be competing for the titles at Al Gharafa Sports Club stadium until 21 December.

Mr. Khalid Al Mawlawi, President of Qatar Volleyball Association has announced that the association successfully concluded the finishing touches on preparations for the championships that will host male and female teams – for the first time – from all over the globe. The event represents an opportunity for Qatar to show the world the monumental leaps it has achieved in the development of sports. The FIVB – DOHA 2010 is the first international sports event of this caliber to be held on Qatari soil after the glittering achievement of winning the bid to host the FIFA World Cup 2022.

The Men’s Championship will see the participation of eight teams divided into two groups. Group A includes Al Arabi (representing the host country Qatar), the African champion Al Ahli (Egypt), the Asian champion Paykan Tehran (Iran), PGE Skra Bełchatów (Poland). Group B includes the title holder Trentino Volley (Italy), Bolivar (Argentina), St. Mitchell (USA), and Dinamo Moscow.

Six teams, divided into two groups, will be competing for the Women’s Championship title. Group A includes Federbrau (Thailand), Fenerbahçe (Turkey), and Solly (Brazil). Group B includes Prisons (Kenya), Bergamo (Italy), and Merado (Dominican Republic). Two teams will qualify from each group in the first stage to the semi-finals. The two winning teams will reach the finals.

Qatar has played an outstanding role in reviving this international mega event after a 17-year halt with the successful hosting in 2009. The FIVB – DOHA 2010 organizing committee has dedicated US$1.3 million in prize money for the Men’s Championship and US$550,000 for the Women’s.

Al Mawlawi said that Qatar intends to bid for hosting the Volleyball World Championship. “The idea has been discussed, but we must not rush things. Hosting an event of this magnitude is no easy task. However, our reputation shines like never before and Qatari stadiums are preparing to become iconic in surpassing international standards, let alone the enthusiasm of Qatari youth,” he concluded.

*Source: ME NewsWire