Qatar final switched to smaller venue

DOHA, Dec 14 (Reuters) A decision by Asian Games organisers to switch venues for the men's soccer final tomorrow will deprive up to 13,000 fans the chance to see hosts Qatar tackle Iraq.

Thousands of Qataris took to the streets to celebrate their heroes' feat in beating Iran to reach the final, yet organisers have moved the gold medal match from a 25,000-seater stadium to one that holds less than half that number.

Al-Gharrafa's 25,000-seater main stadium, 10km northwest of Doha, is one of the newest and largest in Qatar but was dropped two days before kick-off.

Instead organisers will stage the gold medal match at the 12,000 capacity Al-Sadd venue.

''The (Al-Sadd) stadium is one of the most beautiful in Doha and it will make for a good atmosphere for the spectators,'' Games spokesman Ahmed Abdulla Al Khulaifi told reporters.

Qatar beat Iran in the semi-finals at the smaller Al-Sadd stadium.

''It's a lucky ground for Qatar,'' Al Khulaifi said, adding that the switch had been made also because of location.

The Al-Sadd stadium is near the centre of town.

Organisers said the reduced capacity would not be a problem and that tickets were still on sale.

''If you go on the Internet you can buy them. Still there are tickets on the market, and there is high demand,'' Al Khulaifi said.

''Spectators can go and buy them from the booths or on the Internet.'' The Games Web site shows tickets for Friday's gold medal match ''currently unavailable''.

REUTERS SAM ND1504