‘Qatar will organise a great FIFA World Cup edition’
Published: 14 Nov 2022 - 09:00 am | Last Updated: 14 Nov 2022 - 09:05 am
Young fans wave flags outside Al Bayt Stadium. Reuters
Doha: Qatar is receiving widespread support as the country gets set to host the historic FIFA World Cup, which gets underway on November 20 at the Al Bayt Stadium.
According to statements in the build up to the tournament ranging from dignitaries, teams, former players and fans from across the globe gathered by The Peninsula, the host country is getting a massive support to deliver an amazing tournament – the first in the Middle East and the Arab world – amid allegations of human rights violations.
Qatar has built a state-of-the-art infrastructure including eight world class stadiums to ensure the best experience for the visiting teams and an estimated 1.2 million fans to arrive during the 29-day tournament.
Among the dignitaries to praise Qatar’s preparations is Queen Sofia of Spain, who lauded architecture of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 stadiums, according to QNA.
During her visit to Qatar pavilion at the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP 27), held in Egypt, Queen Sofia of Spain wished Qatar to stage a successful tournament.
Also, Brazil’s football ruling body (CBF) backed FIFA’s message as it responded to FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s request to focus on football.
“We wholeheartedly agree that, together with FIFA, the Qatari authorities and other bodies, extra-football issues are being addressed in the certainty that football can be a force for positive change in societies around the world,” the CBF said in a statement.
“As FIFA always insists on remembering, this tournament will also be an opportunity for fans... to meet and live together in peace and joy, regardless of their origin, religion,” it added.
Jurgen Klinsmann
Meanwhile, German legend Jurgen Klinsmann in a recent interview said Qatar will host a unique tournament.
“All the fans and participating countries will find a completely new dimension of a World Cup,” Klinsmann told FIFA+.
“The infrastructure here is second-to-none. And it’s the first World Cup in the Middle East, which adds a new element that I think a lot of people will be very curious to come and see.”
“It will be a real eye-opener for a lot of people around the world that this is an outstanding place, very welcoming, and I’m sure Qatar and the entire region will utilise this tournament to showcase what they have here. We’re going to see a high-quality tournament, very good games, in stadiums that are absolutely beautiful,” he added.
While the Desert Foxes failed to qualify for Qatar 2022, Algeria coach Djamel Belmadi expressed his excitement over the hosting of the first-ever World Cup in the region.
“Qatar is my second home and I am sure the country will organise a great tournament for football fans,” Belmadi, who also coached the Qatar national team, said yesterday.
“We are sad to miss the opportunity of competing in this World Cup but we are still excited ahead of the tournament,” he added.
With less than a week to go to the big kick off, fans have started creating a buzz holding gatherings at iconic points in Qatar to show support for their teams.
Englishman Steve Mackie, who has lived in Doha for 13 years, said fans who will attend the World Cup in Qatar will discover a welcoming and hospitable country.
“The first thing to do is offer your hand in friendship because everybody here will take that hand. That’s the type of place Qatar is. The other thing to do is learn about the culture. It is wonderful and hospitable here. As long as you are polite and courteous, and get to know the country and people, you will enjoy your experience here,” he said.
