Barcelona, May 19 (IANS): Barcelona have announced the postponement of the friendly football match scheduled to be played on May 24 in the Qatari capital Doha against Saudi side Al-Ahli, without revealing a new date for the tie.

According to a statement posted on Barcelona's website on Wednesday, the decision was taken at the behest of Qatar Airways, the Catalan outfit sponsor and organiser of the friendly clash, reports Efe.

"That same week, the country is also hosting the prestigious Emir Cup Final on May 20, while Barca's opponents Al-Ahli will be playing in the King Cup on May 27," the club said.

"In addition, there are Asian Champions League round of 16 matches being played that week, in which two Qatari, one Saudi and two teams from the UAE are involved," the statement explained.

"The coincidence of the match with these major sporting events in the region means that it will now be postponed to a later date (to be announced shortly) in order to encourage the best possible attendance," Barcelona added.