Qatar urges FIFA to open its W. Cup 2022 Door

XceptionalGreat
By XceptionalGreat

Qatar urges FIFA to open its next 'World Cup door' in 2022
(KEIR RADNEDGE/Sports Features Communications)

LONDON, Oct 08: Qatar’s bid to host the World Cup 2022 is a serious one, the opportunity for FIFA to open a door to the Middle East as it is opening a door to Africa in 2010. This assurance was delivered by His Excellency Mohammed bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani to international football decision-makers in London.

Twelve countries in 10 bids go to FIFA headquarters in Zurich in December next year to fight for the right to host the World Cups in 2018 and 2022.

Qatar, like South Korea, is bidding specifically to play host to the world in 2022. With a land area of less than 5,000 square miles (Uruguay 1930 was 67,000, and a population of 1.6m, Qatar would be the smallest nation to play host at a time when, conversely, the finals are expanding in size and fan ticket demand. But it has its own stated case for wanting to bid.

Commuting solution

Al-Thani said: “We have a a strong economy and I can guarantee many people there would love to see the World Cup in Qatar. FIFA says it is ‘For The Game, For The World’ and there have not been enough of these events in the Middle East of which Qatar is a strong component. It is passionate about football so why not open the door just as FIFA is doing in Africa next year?”

Al-Thani said that, with full government support, the country had the capacity to build facilities to provide a remarkable “fan experience” – including designated alcholol-consumption zones.

He added: “We can give every single fan who comes to Qatar the opportunity to see every single match without having to change accommodation or having to commute over long distances. We can offer a highly organised World Cup and a very successful one.

“A ‘Compact World Cup’ is one of our key sellings opioints and I urge fans to consider it before anything else. People who have been to World Cups know it’s not such an easy thing to get on a plane or train or bus to travel from one city to another to support their team.”

Al-Thani said that the country had technological solutions to deal with the issue of heat. He also pointed out that he considered Qatar as sitting “in the middle of the earth” so fans could come equally easily from all around the world.

Social aid support

He thought that FIFA should be attracted by the idea of giving the Middle East its first opportunity to stage an event of such magnitude. Thus far Qatar could point to the 1988 Asian Cup, the 1995 World Youth Cup and the 2006 Asian Games with the 2011 Asian Cup to come. “Now,” he said, “we’re waiting for the truly global event.”

This could also help correct some misconceptions about the Middle East region as a whole. Al-Thani said: “Unfortunately the impression [of the region] abroad is not necessarily what we want but the World Cup would give us a chance to showcase what we’re really all about.”

He underlined Qatar’s commitment to international social aid programmes and to educational opportunities for childen from nations in the developing world.

Then he concluded: “This is a serious bid. I hope everyone gets to see Qatar and understand why we are making our investment in sport. We are not doing this for publicity but because we are more than capable and we think the Middle East is an ideal region to be host, one that needs the World Cup.

“People should understand there is a huge interest in football in the Middle East – just look at the newspapers to see that – this [bid] complements that. We love sports and the World Cup . . . we are not doing this for publicity or financial gain but for the sake of a sports legacy – and we are asking FIFA to give us that opportunity.”

Source:
http://www.sportsfeatures.com

By sabrang kidul• 20 Oct 2009 09:45
sabrang kidul

As a newcomer-to-be, I hope that the bid and who knows the world cup itself will benefit all Qatar's population, nationals and expats alike.

Cheers

SK

By Platini• 17 Oct 2009 23:29
Rating: 3/5
Platini

way2go...

general rule:

whilst living in Qatar as a 'guest' we should support thier bid...well its worth a shout..

1st ever WC in da ME a tall order but 'do able' 4sure..

2022 can happen...

i only see Australia as a big competition for the 2022 slot as England/Spain-Porto/Belgium-Holland could swipe 2018...with the likes of David,Cristiano and Johaan/Marco vouching for their respective country bids..

By rawkit signs• 17 Oct 2009 22:45
rawkit signs

Some comments indicate human rights abuses in Qatar. If this a criteria for awarding the hosting of the WC, Qatar has nothing to worry about when you oonsider that China hosted the Olympics in 2008 - it will take a lot to match that country's human rights abuses.

By do7a• 17 Oct 2009 21:55
do7a

Oil & blood money? I understand that oil plays a major part of the economy but what does blood money have to do with this?

Are you simply making hyperbolic insults or do you actually have a point, because I can't see it...

Promoting the country is a great part of the bid, because obviously it's a honor to host the World Cup and there is nothing wrong with being proud of that. At the same time, if the bid doesn't go through, a lot of experience will be gathered thoughout the process on how to improve future bid attempts. You sound like a typical bitter expat that is passively aggressively venting his inner rage out on an internet forum.

By flanostu• 17 Oct 2009 20:42
Rating: 2/5
flanostu

the people in charge of this bid are mentally imbalanced.

it's just an expensive exercise to promote this country and again proves there is more more money than sense in this country.

oil & blood money won't get this bid any further than it deserves.

By rawkit signs• 17 Oct 2009 19:53
Rating: 2/5
rawkit signs

How are they going to deal with family vs single in malls, parks etc during world cup?

By anonymous• 17 Oct 2009 19:06
anonymous

I hope that comment was not directed at me. Yes I get paid to do a job and that's a fair exchange and I quite like Qatar, however I can mock if I want. I mock my own country, terrorists and whoever I feel like. I like to point out the absurbities in some situation....

Please Jasime don't tell me you sense of humour was removed at the airport on arrival...

By adey• 17 Oct 2009 18:56
Rating: 3/5
adey

The nasty mocking is not good, but..... there is a huge difference between hope and delusionaly trying to do the impossible.

:)

"Deaths in the Bible. God - 2,270,365

not including the victims of Noah's flood, Sodom and Gomorrah, or the

many plagues, famines, fiery serpents, etc because no specific numbers

were given. Satan - 10."

By jasminejasmine• 17 Oct 2009 18:14
jasminejasmine

Why do you have to mock? You live in this country tax free, you should feel some loyalty to the place. I am finding that increasingly people only comment on QL to mock Qatar, Qataris and even their climate.

Good luck Qatar, I hope you get it. JJ

By anonymous• 17 Oct 2009 17:56
anonymous

Neyo they have the money and they have the will....

By anonymous• 17 Oct 2009 17:46
anonymous

ha ha ha! u must be kiddin.....

i think ur talkin abt the new comedy film 'Fully air-conditioned country ever'

laughin my ass off.........

By Arien• 17 Oct 2009 16:25
Rating: 3/5
Arien

Gadarene - Its not permitted to serve liquor at open events ( pool side parties..etc) in the five star hotels too now.

So may be they will have a closed section in the gallary where you can consume.lol

______________________________________________

- Listen to Many...Speak to a Few -

By anonymous• 17 Oct 2009 16:07
anonymous

They could enclose all the roads in tunnels and air condition them at a huge cost.....

Forget it, just enclose the whole country and air condition it.

By anonymous• 17 Oct 2009 15:47
anonymous

That's not enough. They also have to build the roads to shuffle hundred thousand people around daily and accommodate them.

By anonymous• 17 Oct 2009 15:45
anonymous

They could build 10 enclosed air conditioned stadiums at huge cost.....

By Raven1968• 17 Oct 2009 15:09
Raven1968

well said qrmini, couldn't have put it better myself....and a great descrition of QATAR, 100% accurate...

By Don Robert• 17 Oct 2009 14:46
Don Robert

I know,,,,,,that's why we spend most of our time here in QL to waste our paid time.

"Do not do unto others what you don't want others to do unto you(Wag kang gay-an, kung mang gagay-an ka, wag gay-on)"

By do7a• 17 Oct 2009 14:38
do7a

Haha, so in the meantime disgruntled expats just sit and complain about their big salaries.

If one of my colleagues kept complaining about something but made no effort to change it or live with it I'd tell him to leave too. It's an unhealthy attitude.

By Don Robert• 17 Oct 2009 14:30
Don Robert

yeah do7a, most expats here have been applying in other countries but no luck yet. but if there was an opportunity. You would see a masive reduction of work force here in qatar.

"Do not do unto others what you don't want others to do unto you(Wag kang gay-an, kung mang gagay-an ka, wag gay-on)"

By do7a• 17 Oct 2009 14:27
Rating: 4/5
do7a

Don Robert, no I'm not a Qatari, in fact I've very new to Qatar. In my time here I have met a lot of people and spoken to them about why they are here.

For example, at my old job I didn't enjoy the working environment so I left. If you don't enjoy Qatar and don't have any connection to it besides salary perhaps you should apply elsewhere, you might find a job which pays you the same and you'd find the atmosphere better there.

Personally, I'm not so attached to salaries and more to the work I'm doing. There is no way I could work in a place that I hated, it affects the quality of my life.

By Don Robert• 17 Oct 2009 13:52
Don Robert

do7a, are you qatari? coz it's their motto "If you hate Qatar then Leave"........

Qatar sucks, if not for the salary I wouldn't be here.......

"Do not do unto others what you don't want others to do unto you(Wag kang gay-an, kung mang gagay-an ka, wag gay-on)"

By do7a• 17 Oct 2009 13:42
do7a

qrmini, I'm just trying to think of the logic in your post, but if you hate Qatar so much and it pains you so much to live here, why don't you just leave? Quit your job, sell your car and buy a ticket to a place where you might like it better.

In the end you will benefit because you're in an area that you feel comfortable. There are people here who like Qatar and therefore they enjoy staying here.

By Dali• 13 Oct 2009 07:17
Dali

qrmini, I think they presume that if they repeat it enough times, peoples perceptions and opinons will change.

Kinda reminds me of a childs reasoning

"mom, dad, can I....."

"No"

"but mom dad i really want to"

"I said NO"

"Ok mom, dad....but I really want to, coz jimmy has one too and I want one"

"I told you, you cant so dont ask me again"

"Ok mom, dad....But can I?"

NUCLEAR WEAPONS: IF AMERICA AND ISRAEL CAN HAVE THEM - THEN SO SHOULD IRAN.

By Dali• 13 Oct 2009 07:12
Dali

Yet NOTHER PR FIFA Qatar stunt? *sigh*

Here you will find REAL NON PR opinions why it shouldnt happen

http://www.qatarliving.com/node/723620

http://www.qatarliving.com/node/732270

NUCLEAR WEAPONS: IF AMERICA AND ISRAEL CAN HAVE THEM - THEN SO SHOULD IRAN.

By qrmini• 12 Oct 2009 01:42
Rating: 4/5
qrmini

Climate wise, qatar sucks...i don't even want to walk or run, no matter its winter or what.

Cultural wise, qatar sucks...you expect Qatari welcome the guests from all over the world? ya..they will say yala khalas you don't have the travel visa, go back to your country and watch TV.

Transport, Dinning, Accomodation, qatar sucks...no town planning at all, no diversity of food, not enough mid-range hotel or accomodation.

Olympic and Worldcup shouldn't play in a uncivilized slavery desert state like Doha. International sport event is to celebrate humanity and civilization. If the leader of this country want to create the biggest joke and worst Olympic ever, go ahead and buy the commitee, Good luck. Qaaatar.

By Hu Wan• 10 Oct 2009 12:19
Hu Wan

if Qatar was at par to hold further sporting events in the magnitude of the World Cup or Olympics.

________________________________________________

"No one is in charge of your happiness except you"

By AngelinaBallerina• 10 Oct 2009 10:22
Rating: 4/5
AngelinaBallerina

Liquor consumption areas, nice one! so how come they've banned outside drinking here now?

I'm sure there will be lots of rules broken or bent shall I say just, for the month ( is it?) of the world cup. They won't be able to curb the drinking culture of the World Cup at all so they may as well let them!

They'll probably get police and experts in crowd security from all over the world or from the biggest trouble making countries ie England for a start! I hope Qatar get it, it'll be great!!good on them!

By anonymous• 10 Oct 2009 09:58
anonymous

Qatar has another problem apart from the accommodation. How will they police such an event? Say a million people come to watch, where will they get all the police and security from?

They can't do what they did with the Asian Games and just deny people visit visas. (Actually that is so funny, it was the Asian games and the Asians were banned from coming....). Fifa will not accept an event with a small number of supporters....

By anonymous• 10 Oct 2009 09:57
anonymous

There will only be lays chips & pepsi....for sale in the stadium...lol

By anonymous• 10 Oct 2009 09:50
anonymous

lol drsam- what if the alcohol special area ...

is in fact the stadium itself..

That would be interesting...

By drsam• 10 Oct 2009 09:46
drsam

is in fact the stadium itself! way to go hooligans!

instead of burger or hotdog carrying guy, vodka or whiskey on the rock!

Oh, people can come up with statistics to prove anything, Kent. 14% of people know that.

By drsam• 10 Oct 2009 09:45
drsam

work on solar systrem. that would be nice.

Oh, people can come up with statistics to prove anything, Kent. 14% of people know that.

By anonymous• 10 Oct 2009 07:49
Rating: 2/5
anonymous

"we have technological solutions to deal with the heat"..."they're called airconditioners & they artificially cool indoor covered areas while the heat & humidity outside continue to be oppressive. we will be purchasing a large % of all the airconditioning units manufactured worldwide @ the time of the event & will be installing them all over the place."

"huh carbonfootprint? ecological & environmental damage? i'm sorry,could you repeat that in english? i'm afraid i don't understand your language."...

By anonymous• 10 Oct 2009 07:45
Rating: 4/5
anonymous

"will all ticket holders waiting in line for the past two hours be aware that local citizens have the privilege to come straight to the front of the line & will be allowed in,sometimes without producing a ticket as evidence as the security guard @ the gate would probably be his cousin/clansman & so all rules stand null & void. any ticket holders making a fuss about people jumping the line & being allowed in without a ticket will be be escorted in handcuffs back to their accomodation from where they will be escorted to the airport(also in handcuffs) & put on a flight back to wherever they came from,as we have much experience in this arena. your cooperation in this regard will be much appreciated,thank you & enjoy the world cup in Qatar."...

By anonymous• 10 Oct 2009 07:39
Rating: 4/5
anonymous

"designated alcohol areas"...ROTFL!! :)...likely scenario:-(to be repeated with very poor pronunciation & grammar)-"sir/ma'am please stay within that radius of 1sqm. while you consume your alcoholic beverage,stepping out of that circle while consuming that beverage or stepping out of it under the influence of said beverage will be considered illegal not to mention going against the traditions & culture of the country & your all match pass will be null & void & you will be handcuffed & put on the next flight back to wherever you came from as we have much experience in this arena, so as i said,do not step out of that circle,thank you & enjoy the world cup in Qatar."...

By Dlightswitch• 10 Oct 2009 04:05
Dlightswitch

If they can have designated alcohol areas for the world cup, why can't we have designated pork eating areas right now?

It sounds to me like they will be bending the rules of islam for this event, I guess we'll have to see what the 'religious mullas' have to say about this :)

By anonymous• 9 Oct 2009 11:45
anonymous

designated alcohol areas?

I hope they have a designated brazillian not wearing very much area and not arrest them....

If the world cup did come here the religious mullas on QL will go into overdrive with their indignation!

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