November 21, 2022 General view of a FIFA World Cup giant replica trophy on the pitch before the match REUTERS/Hannah Mckay
The compact tournament concept of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 has created an amazing atmosphere and benefits for both players and fans, said former Dutch player Ronald de Boer adding that the Qatar’s hosting of the World Cup will leave a positive impact on the country and region.
Qatar 2022 is one of the most compact World Cup and due to that nature fans are easily able to attend more than one game in a single day and players have more rest time between matches which helps them to perform better action on the pitch, said de Boer who is a Qatar Legacy Ambassador for the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC).
“I think its (compact nature) is a great advantage. For the teams, they don’t have to travel to other hotels or in a plane. They can stay in their hotel and the pitches where they train are also in the surroundings. So I think that is very convenient. I think that’s important,” he said speaking to media at the Host Country Media Centre.
“It is amazing for the fans,” he said adding that fans can watch more than one game in a day and see many football stars play. “That’s the beauty and nobody can deny that it is a benefit for this World Cup,” said de Boer.
Almost a week in to the tournament, de Boer emphasized that Qatar 2022 has so far given a smooth experience for fans. “I hear positive things…. I’ve been to several games and I have seen closely way to the stadiums, the entrance, how things work, and only see happy faces,” said de Boer.
The Qatar Legacy Ambassador programme seeks to work with some of the game’s most high-profile names to highlight the SC’s numerous local and global legacy projects, and help use the opportunities provided by Qatar 2022 to create positive social change across the region and around the world.
In reply to a question about the Qatar 2022 legacy, de Boer said, the World Cup is “building bridges” between the West and the Arab region and clears the misconceptions. “I think that’s important,” he said.
“…that is basically the legacy that the world could bring because everybody sees now what the abilities here, the hospitality and the friendliness which is here in this region. And hopefully that brings only good to the rest of the world,” de Boer added.
He initially moved to Qatar in 2004 and played for Al Rayyan and Al Shamal clubs between 2005 and 2008. He remained in Qatar with his family until 2011. Then with his position as Qatar Legacy Ambassador with the SC continues his strong relationship with Qatar.
Speaking about the development in Qatar de Boer said, “A lot of change, of course. If you see the infrastructure it is amazing, if you see the highways and other developments – it is an unbelievable achievement of the government.”
