Go, Go, Go, Go Qatar 2022!

From 2002 to 2004 i have been included in the regional committee of Center Portugal regarding the Euro 2004.

At this time we faced several challenges, the biggest ones of course from UEFA committee and others from our Ministry of Interior, some request from UEFA (FIFA have the same) was that in our 2 towns, a full hotel shall be booked for FIFA officials, partners and sponsors, on that also every team requested a hotel fully book for same reasons (team, officials, sponsors, press, etc..)And of course all 5* category

Only with that we can say that Doha will require 25 or most probably 35 5 stars hotels

Then we had to plan transportation even with 3 international airports we had to get help from some small private airports to receive private jets and some additional charters flights (some days this 2 categories represented more than 400 flights).

Then of course the fact to receive more than 2 million visitors in one month, as we know football is a popular sport not so elitist as golf or tennis, so infrastructures included camping parks also (who imagine a camping park in Doha).

MOST VISITORS JUST TRAVELED WITH A VERY MINIMAL BUDGET.

I will not even talk here about entertainment because i dont want to shock nobody. And i will pass the climate, because since i seen (i was there) the final of football Olympic games played at 12h00 under 40C, everYthing is possible.

Now we can't hide the truth from ourselves NO BEER NO SEX NO GAME ....

The Governor of the province clearly instructed the police department to NOT control or arrest any prostitute during one full month. Fair also to say that lot of people just used public beaches as big hotel room.. Of course June in Portugal is much more affordable (climate) than here.

LAST POINT THE EURO 2004 WAS HUGE SUCCESS BECAUSE ALL POPULATION WAS CONCERNED AND PARTICIPATED AND WAS WELCOMING EVERY VISITOR.

Ah one more thing, the only problems we faced with hooligans was in Algarve with some Brits (sorry mates nothing against you...) and you know that unfortunately it's true..

Just few problems but happened one time only, as Police hardly repressed (and when i say hardly was really hard) some groups they catch them and drove them direct to airport and back to UK on same night.

Of course european police knows very well how to deal with those people, what about local POLICE ???

IM MY OPINION NOBODY IN THIS BID COMMITTEE thinked on that, because they have absolutely no experience on that..

THIS IS A TRUE STORY AND I WAS PART OF IT, THAT"S WHY EVEN THE PROJECT IS VERY NICE LOOKS A REAL UTOPIA.

ANYWAY GOOD LUCK QATAR 2022

PS : UN ABRAZO PARA ORYX, because very good synthesis of the problem..

'I’m sure the culture would have changed significantly in 13 years.'

I am sorry I dont agree with you here.... I don't think that the underpinning morals of the society will have changed enough that excess consumption of alcohol, prostitution and street partying (that all go hand in hand with football events) will be acceptable.

Money is being spent on educational facilities but the syllabus being taught is still 'modified'.

@ Greeker,one more point in reply to the one you raised,about Qatar focussing on education & sport,in terms of Qatar Foundation & Aspire,they organizations were started yesterday,let them prove themselves in a decade(that's a bare minimum i'm quoting) & then we'll see about hosting a World Cup...can't control traffic on a weekeday afternoon once schools get out,they want to host a World Cup,puhleeze,let's all get real here...

Hi Greeker,

Having worked several years in different Arab countries I have to agree Qatar is quite liberated compared to some Arab countries, Aka Saudi Arabia still in the stone age plus 10.

I can see the Qataris have grand sporting aspirations for the country, however my own experience was not exactly easy in finding a relatively cheap Gym especialy on the Airport side(dont want to spend huge amount if working and not using it), plenty of expensive hotels with facilities and as to your public beaches in and around Doha... well?

As regards Alcohol it is more expensive here than liquid Gold..you can do most things here but expensive, expensive, expensive, it is all relative, you cannot compare Qatar YET to others on the IOC list, although I do hope that the Faith head hardliners do not put a brake on the advancement of Qatari society to modernize.

Cheers!

convincing FIFA by 2010 Dec will be a tall order. Having lived in Doha for over 25 years and a huge football fan. I can only hope and pray 'we' win the right to hold 2022 here.

Sheikh Mo we are behind ya! way2Go!

fingers crossed for rio, madrid and tokyo lets see what the Danes have in store!

here is my last comment. If you want to bet on 2018 and 2022, this is what you do.

England for 2018 and USA for 2022..... the deal is already being stiched.....

Just a reminder to people who are saying the event is 13 years away and till then Qatar may have ironed out most of the shortcomings it has to host the world cup, FIFA has to make a decision on 2018 & 2022 editions at the same time in 2010. So effectively there is just 1 year, In one year I can't see any new stadium being erected, Public transportation isn't going to improve, Affordable Hotels for the millions of fans aren't going to magically appear, the heat isn't going anywhere and ofcourse the size of Qatar isn't going to increase as well. This bid was over before it began.

When the bids were being submitted, one FIFA official said, countries who are bidding for one edition only out of 2018 & 2022 have a better chance, Since only Qatar and South Korea are bidding for only 2022 edition, officials here thought they have a real chance.

"Everyone should believe in something, I believe I will have another drink!!!."

Qatar has money.. Qatar has Will to do ..

thts all tht matters...

the USP and the drawback is same - Its Middle East...

Any political unrest in coming 10+ yrs can change the scenario.... :)

___________________________________________

Men will wrangle for religion, write for it, fight for it, die for it, anything but live for it

here are the requirements off the printed page:

&feature=related

"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."

Requirements for a succesful WC bid

must be multi city

opening game and final min 70000 seats

min 8 stadiums of at least (I think) 35000 capacity

sufficent accommodations and transport links

plus you have to let all countries compete. So if Israel qualifies it would be a secruity nightmare

Qatar meets known of these requirements and even if they could in the next 13 years it would be a massive waste of money. Do the locals not care how their money is wasted?

As for eng v brazil the game is part of the agreement for the new wembley. Brazil agreed to play the first game at wembley in return for an 'away' fixture of their choosing. Cue Qatar with bags stuffed full of money...... However the non-western brazillians got a lot less than England.......

Why so negative about aircon'ed tents ?

I think it is more viable than say, building massive apartment blocks just for this one event. The total carbon footprint (someone mentioned it previously) will definitely be less.

It may even be a selling point for its 'exoticity' and 'bedouin-ness'.

Another alternative is course taking a leaf out of the ASIAD's book: mobilizing squadrons of cruise and hospital ships to be used as temporary accommodation.

Cheers

SK

I think Qatar would have a better chance if they bid with the UAE like Japan did with Korea for the 1998?

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HE WHO DARES WINS

Where else besides Doha would they be able to have games be played? Al Khor? Umm Said? Dukhan? Wakrah?

I agree that perhaps if they had gone in on a combined bid with UAE or UAE/Bahrain they might have more of a chance. But solo?

No way....

"Marriage is a wonderful institution...but who wants to live in an institution?" -- Groucho Marx

hahahah air conditioned tents, OMG bloody brillant.....Qatar is the laughing stock of the football world without such hairbrained ideas.....

Conversation closed huh

Sabrang surely you are joking? Air condition tents... yeah I'm sure that will go down well with the Europeans and Fifa.....

We all know its a non-starter, so does Fifa and so does Qatar but like this discussion it does generate publicity.....

I stand corrected, it was not Mexico city but Mexico which hosted the world cup. BTW they did host the event twice, the first one being in 1970.

@aviduser: Agree with you, Qatar should join force with other or the rest of GCC country to launch a bid. FIFA may not allow that though, as it will mean too many countries got a free ticket without having to pass the qualification stages.

As for accommodation, it is a big challenge but I don't think it is insurmountable. If all else failed they can build a semi permanent (air-conditioned of course) tent cities. Every year during Hajj Saudi hosted 5 million pilgrims in tents in the plain of Arafa and Mina, why can't Qatar?

Availability of suitable stadiums (or stadia, my latin-english fails me) and public transport infrastructures may be the bigger drawback, but then again if they really want it, with almost unlimited cash they may be able to build new stadiums in the dessert along with MRT connecting them before 2022 (more than 10 years away) who knows.....

I agree aviduser. If Qatar was serious about this they would be bidding as a region, perhaps Qatar/UAE/Bahrain should bid as a group.

Psst...don't shout about it but if you speak to the people working on the bid they know they are not going to win... they are doing it for the learning experience and the publicity...

That even after Losail and the Pearl are completed (which is far from certain)

Qatar still will need to find accommodation for 1.5 million people assuming that both the Pearl and EVERY SINGLE apartment in Losail was given to people staying for the World Cup.

In reality that is not the case meaning that in 13 years Qatar HAS to build enough hotel rooms for 2 million people.

2 MILLION hotel rooms. Again I ask you to think about that figure. REALLY think about what we are talking about. Forget the red herring of Alcohol and closed minded locals blah blah blah. THINK RIGHT NOW about 2 MILLION people in DOHA for 4 WEEKS.

There is NO chance a World cup will ever be held here, not now not in 50 years.

Once again I have to stress World Cups are NEVER given to Cities they are given to countries.

Germany Korea/Japan South Africa America, England.

Why is this.

Because 80,000 people turn up to a game and probably another 20-30,000 turn up to the Town or City holding the game to be part of the atmosphere.

Germany had 12 stadia in 12 Different towns all with an average capacity of around 58,000.

So where are the 12 Towns capable of putting up let's say 60,000 people every night.

Where are the 12 towns with enough facilities for 60,000 people every night

Where are the 12 STADIA with the capacity.

MEXICO CITY did not host the World Cup in 86 MEXICO DID.

One is a City the other is a Country, and it's fair to say it wouldn't win again.

Please let's not argue amongst ourselves, any one with any sense can see that it simply can't happen. It doesn't matter how much money you have the practicalities are NEVER going to work.

Like I say some sort of region wide bid would work, even a Mediterranean MEENA bid could work.

In the Korea/Japan the Tiny Island of Je Ju hosted a World Cup stadium, it only had a capacity of 42,000 but it held 4 games and was a success.

Qatar could definitely do that. They just have to stop being to childish and selfish and come up with a joint bid.

I fear though that the chances of that happening are even slimmer than the chances of Qatar getting 2022

The test will be how many English football fans get here for the Brazil match and how they are treated, accepted or arrested. It is not going to work without some changes in the country. Maybe this is what is needed to get Qatar moving toward being a world class sports venue.

not a chance in hell mate!...if i stay here that long,i'll have to be taken back home in a box!!...hey no offence meant if you're Qatari mate,i just feel that whoever wins the bid should be deserving to win it & Qatar @ present isn't,that's all i'm saying...

It is necessary for Qatar to prepare itself appropriate for football World Cup in 2022

why are you so concerned? Don't tell me you're actually planning to stay here this long ;)

When they held the WC in Mexico, many complained about the altitude and thin air making it impossible to play.

Well the game went on without any problem.

I don't think the heat will be a show stopper, they can simply schedule the matches in the evening or early mornin, erect a giant umbrella or air-condition the whole stadium.

I think the lack of infrastructures (need several international class stadium, public transport and accommodation) as well as the fact that the host country never qualified in the previous WC (no precedent, CMIIW) will be a bigger obstacle.

@ genesis,"Qatar has a better chance"???...because they've never qualified for the world cup before? or because they don't have a single massive capacity stadium except for khalifa which is while being the biggest here is hardly big by any international standards? or because they have a non-existant road network or because they have an excuse for a public transport system or because they have accomodation/rooms to cater to all levels especially the middle class fans who make up the bulk of the World Cup audience & not just 5 star hotels?...hmmm,out of curiosity more than anything else mate,i as i'm sure a lot of others would really like to meet this "FIFA insider" just to know on what of the above criteria he/she is basing the fact that Qatar actually has a better chance than the rest...just out of curiosity...@ sutcliffemd,it can't be dealt with mate,fortunately the weather Gods can't be bribed into making the summer of 2022 cool & pleasant or even bearable for that matter!!...didn't some guy say they're going underground for this?...carbon footprint you say,"what's that?, the only footprint i know is the one my Bally slippers make when i walk & i love it!" they say...

how about the heat, i am still as curious as to find out how that can be dealt with?

The people behind WC2022 bid are different from the 1's who handled the disastrous 2016 Olympic bid and actually have a better perspective . Any FIFA insider, would actually tell you confidently that QATAR has a better chance than many other countries competing for the World cup 2022.

I hope they address the local obstacles too. It's pretty obvious now that "they" are not the only PTB in this country.

Like many other locals, i don't care whether we win the bid or not.As gypsy wrote in an earlier thread, it's not like we locals are paying any taxes for supporting such events.

Well said Olive, Clowns and Baffoons the lot of them...

They have started building the new Metro System. Excavation has started at the Sheraton Car Park. This metro system will Connect West Bay to the New Doha International Airport.

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HE WHO DARES WINS

I think this bid, rather than put them on the map, is going to turn Doha into the laughing stock of the football world.

@ Greeker,appreciate the pointer on my writing style,believe you me,you're not the first one to tell me that!...i stand corrected as to the Asian games bid issue,although i do still believe that vast sums of money did exchange hands along with vast sums being spent to cover up the paper trail,so Malaysia may not have been able to prove anything but the fact that the stadia/facilities/hotel room requirements were FAR from complete when the bid was approved is proof enough for me,as it ought to be to everyone else that there was a payoff involved as i know for a fact that ALL of these big sporting events have a requirement which states that the infrastructure to host it must be in place within a certain time-frame & i do know that Qatar did not meet that time-frame,far from it in fact...

As for being optimistic because "i owe them my bread & butter",i know you addressed PM on this but i'd just like to say,i don't owe anyone anything...i'm a doctor who provides my services to the people of THIS COUNTRY instead of my own & i get renumeration for it,i work very hard to earn that renumeration just as i'm sure you do & to me that's even stevens,i respect your point of view but i don't accept it,the problem here is the attitude of the locals & no i'm not referring to the 0.00000001% of them that have had a western education & a dose of reality while @ it & who've realized the hard way that their money means nothing outside these borders,especially on a foreign/western/international campus where they're just one of thousands of students from around the country & the world & they have to get in q like everyone else for their meals etc & it's this same fringe who're comfortable with people drinking around them while they don't,again because they didn't exactly have a say or a choice on that while @ uni. where we both know,how crazy it can get with the alcohol intake BUT fact of the matter is,that's a very small % of the local populace,the average Qatari is as far from that open-minded mindset as is possible & it's going to take a few decades @ best to see any significant change...as for the attendance,fact is they were the least attended games in the history of the Asian games & members of the ruling family saying "we don't care if there isn't a single spectator,we want to prove we can host the games & we've proven it." doesn't seem like an eye-opener from any angle to me,that's just a huge ego buoyed by an equally huge bank balance talking...

They building a sports culture from scratch & goodluck to them for it but what needs to change is the attitude & i'm sorry but i don't share your optimism on that although i do understand that as a sports journalist in Qatar,you'd have to be in a optimistic frame of mind,well only time will tell...

Rome was built by slave labor but at that time the slaves would have been actually been Roman (or at least European) and some Africans coming through Carthage. If there were any Asians (and I'm sure there were a few) they would have been Arab or Indian and more likely prisoners of war turned into slaves rather than born slaves.

I gotta go with BlackSea princess on this one. Certainly the founding of Rome did not include enormous contributions by slave labor, but Caesar Augustus' boast, "I found it a city of brick and left it a city of marble" (1st century CE) refers to a vast building program that extended well beyond his reign and involved hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of Asian, European and African slaves. This would be the city we think of as Rome, the classical period, much of which one can see even today.

Mandi

I am wrong, it turns out the F.A. is pimping out the English team. The investors must have shopped around the England V Brazil game and as with the Tribeca film festival Qatar wrote the biggest cheque. I am wrong FIFA were not involved.

As for the Emir's cup it was disorganised chaos outside the ground with many hundreds not being able to gain entry.

The Milan game is not the same thing at all as it was NOT a friendly between two international teams. Come on u r a sports reporter you must know the difference. You know England is a VERY well supported team with a large number of fans who are WILLING and ABLE to travel to all games.

Look Qatar would have a shot of hosting a Single stadia in a combined GCC bid. Of course that would work but the Egos in this region are FAR TOO BIG for that to happen.

Look what happened when Dubai wasn't allowed to house the GCC central bank, they withdrew from monetary union. CHILDISH BEHAVIOUR.

In the 3 years I have been here I have seen towers built in West bay and that's it, What is BETTER now than it was 3 years ago what ?

EDIT

Any one attend the AC Milan Game I seem to recall there being a massive crush to get in but can't remember some one remind me.

I'm not really sorry if you are so used to being praised for everything you post and I had the audacity to disagree with it. I responded to the ludicrous post you wrote and then felt you tried to paint me as someone who hates Qatar, should be praising them for my bread and butter, should not be critical and should leave. I responded in kind and now you are clearly put out with me. So once again (and this is for the 3rd or 4th time) you dredge up old QL history to try to make me look bad and yourself look good (I presume). But really, all it does it show how emotionally fragile you are that you thrive on QLers praise and can't handle it when you don't get it.

And I will continue to if I have something to add. At least I didn't call into question the fact that you call yourself a journalist! lol

I didn't drink the kool-aid! -- PM

All I said is that plenty of things that are still standing in Rome that were built during various historical periods were constructed using slave labour. And drawing the parallel between the oil empire of here and now with that time. How come people on this website take themselves soooooo seriously? Not just on this thread, but absolutely everywhere?

"I don't know about you but I WORK for my salary so do not look at this as something I am undeserving of and therefore need to polish anyone's apples."

Ouch, that was below the belt and totally uncalled for. If I say something positive about Qatar, that becomes 'polishing someone's apple'. And if someone starts whining about the country, then that transforms into 'the truth'.

You put me off completely from continuing with this talk. I'm sorry I even chose to respond to you. And I believe more firmly than ever that the problems you went through (including having your comments deleted from this forum because of a stalker threat) was of your own making.

And you're right, I DID NOT notice MD's point. It WAS INDEED lost on me. Because of this.

http://www.helium.com/items/579688-roman-history-rome-wasnt-built-in-a-day

...and this...

http://www.helium.com/items/1037896-roman-history-rome-wasnt-built-in-a-day

That'll be all. Good night and good luck!

From what I understand, we were talking about the founding of Rome? Not sure what 'the universe' has to do with it... The dude who decided that Rome was founded on April 21, 753, however, was writing in 1st century BC - a little after the fact, to say the least. And really, is there a need to be so snarky?

And I don't think anybody is taking a "canonical account" as face value. A historian looks for corroborating evidence. And there is that evidence to suggest a reasonable target date for the founding of Rome and its type of construction, as well as who the people were who built it. Let us now just agree that it was not built by Asian slaves as you stated. :-)

I didn't drink the kool-aid! -- PM

The universe began 13.7 billion years ago. That's another 'canonical' account. Funny, that the cream of the intelligence in the world 'believes' that, isn't it?

I am not a history professor! But I do find it funny that people take canonical accounts of things like 'The Founding of Rome took place in 753 BC' at face value.

You are possibly right, PM.

We would be discussing Rema instead of Roma :-P

I didn't drink the kool-aid! -- PM

Doha is built by slaves, that's for sure!

Greeker, I referred to you as delusional because I thought that kinder than referring to you as a derriere-kisser! lol :-P

I didn't drink the kool-aid! -- PM

The date for the founding of Rome is rather controversial, and far from all historians agree on it. And nothing really survived from the early period - though yes of course, the people who populated the settlement built it at that time.

The people who lived here built their own dwellings too, fifty years ago. They don't now, do they? And in Rome, stuff like the Aqueduct (built entirely using slave labour), as well as countless other landmarks, survive to this day.

Romulus killed his twin brother Remus when he jumped over the little wall that Romulus had made to indicate the borders of Rome. But this is "Legend". Another 'legend' says that Trojans who fled after the Greek burnt down Troy came to Latium led by Anaeas, the son of Aphrodite and Anchises. (Aphrodite, the godess of love/Venus in the Roman mythology).

and I have serious doubts that they were actually suckled by a she-wolf, too! lol

I didn't drink the kool-aid! -- PM

Rome was built by Romulus and Romus who were weened by a wolf.

Provide proof that Asians were brought to Rome during the time of the founding of Rome. From everything I ever studied (and I have studied history extensively) they lived in the "Roman Empire" when it extended into their lands but they were not imported to work in Rome prior to that time. And even then, not on a major scale except in rare cases. Maybe you should review your history if you are a history lecturer. lol

I didn't drink the kool-aid! -- PM

That's 750 years after Rome was founded and built, drac.

750 BC, to be exact. In those days the Romans had no clue about the Asian subcontinent. Even Alexander hadn't been there (approximately 300 BC.)

The emperor Titus brought 20,000 Jewish slaves to Rome, slaves used to bulid the Roman Coliseum. Proof of this lies in the Arch of Titus, which depicts a menorah as part of the bounty from Jerusalem. To this day, the Talmud forbids Jews from walking under the Arch..

Lol. The city of Rome has existed for a long time! And plenty of its still standing landmarks, from different historical periods, were built using slave labour that came from all over the Roman Empire, which extended into Asia.

I didn't drink the kool-aid! -- PM

And now you say that Rome copied Athens, like Doha copies Dubai, right? Rome was founded and built by Romans. They were shepards from Latium, and they built Rome with their own hands. I'm talking about Rome, not Roma!

Rome (the city) was not built by Asians at all.

I didn't drink the kool-aid! -- PM

Magic Dragon, Rome was not built by Romans, but largely by slave labour. Plenty of which, I reckon, was from Asia. Ah, some things just never change.

No Rome was built by slaves!

What can you do, PM?

Your point will be lost on Greeker. :-)

I didn't drink the kool-aid! -- PM

"And since Rome wasn’t built in a day". Which is true, but then again, it was built by Romans and not unskilled Asian laborers! Do you notice this fine difference?

don't hate Qatar. Nor do I feel the need to pretend that things are something they are not because I work here. I don't know about you but I WORK for my salary so do not look at this as something I am undeserving of and therefore need to polish anyone's apples. I have always been respected by the Qataris I know for being honest with them and not sucking up to them. Why should I be any different to an anonymous audience on QL?

Why on earth do you find speaking the truth being undeservedly "critical"?

I didn't drink the kool-aid! -- PM

I think the only realistic way such a bid could win is if Qatar bids with the UAE. They both have the money and both could develop enough stadiums in time. However the one thing they will not change is the weather and no way will the WC be moved from a June to august slot. Too much money in the European leagues to allow that to happen.

As for AC Milan that was small fry in terms of PR. This is big. Big PR as it's two teams the world wants to watch

Hello everyone, sorry for being late with the reply. As the replies to my post were long, I needed to have some time before I made replies. I didn’t want the replies to be ambiguous. Anyways.

Sutcliffe and Cyberentity, Qatar has already approved plans for a Doha metro public transport system sometime back. I had read about it somewhere and just read the internet. Maybe you could find some details in here. http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=554046

PM, thank you so much for branding me as ‘delusional’. I’m in fact just trying to see the positives of a country to which I owe my bread and butter. I personally believe that there’s no point in cribbing about a country AND staying there to earn a living. The day I start hating Qatar, I’ll leave. I’ve made up my mind on that.

Like you so rightly pointed out, there are people who are not comfortable with the level of ‘opening up’ this country is doing. All I have to say is “hey, no one’s perfect!”. And since Rome wasn’t built in a day, NEITHER will Doha be. It’s only still learning to stand on its two feet as a developed society. Try to stop being so critical about everything happening here. They may be far from perfect, but they’re reaching there.

Dali, I like your comments. They may be long, but they are expressive and explains in detail to people who are not quite sharp (like me) and needs to read them twice before comprehending.

You said a majority of Qataris are against alcohol. Is that assumption based on personal experiences, a survey, or just a ‘sweeping statement’? I’m asking because I’ve come across several locals, who while they don’t drink themselves, have no problems mingling with people who do. Some of them do come from traditional families. But they’re better educated and know how things work. With the kind of money Qatar is spending for Western education here, I’m sure the culture would have changed significantly in 13 years.

(As I came to the later part of your argument, I felt you were trying to say that alcohol isn’t necessary at all. Well, I’ll hold my reservations on that. It does have a part to play which makes a World Cup a World Cup. All I’m saying is that wouldn’t be the main problem affecting Qatar’s bid).

And pardon me about the ‘us’ usage. Since I’m a sports journalist, I’d felt very attached to the Doha bid. I was positively pissed when Doha was overlooked over lesser bid files. I still cannot see it as ‘their’ bid. For me, it always was and still is ‘my’ bid and hence injustice done to ‘us’.

Gadarene, on the outset, I would request you to break your sentences into paragraphs so that it is easier on the eye. I often got lost in that long-winding answer of yours. Don’t get me wrong, I like them (my this answer would prove that), but it’d be much easier if it was not so cluttered.

As to your argument, I think you’ve got your facts wrong. New Delhi, India, was eliminated after the FIRST round, with just two votes. The major competition was between Malaysia and Qatar. Qatar got 22 votes (out of 41). OCA rules state that a country getting more than half the votes will be the winners. Malaysia felt they were wronged, but they produced no evidence to support claims of ‘fat cheques’ being exchanged.

As to the attendance of the Games itself, I agree there was a lot left to be desired. And you think the authorities are ignorant about that fact? Then think again. It was an eye-opener for the organisers. They’re trying to bring in the crowd, but the absence of a genuine sports culture has failed them. But they’re trying… the ASPIRE Academy and the Qatar Olympic Committee’s Schools Olympic Programme are all part of it. The past may not have been bright, but the future does indeed look promising. So the next high-profile event (like the 2022 WC) may not be necessarily a disaster as you think it might be.

And I STRONGLY disagree with you for saying that they feel ‘money can buy anything’. If anything at all, they’re learning that money CANNOT buy everything. Don’t you think that’s the reason why they’re emphasising on sports and education, two of the most visible and common parameters for assessing a society’s development? I’m saying that you’re seeing the tree, but not the forest. They are building a sports culture from scratch. You may not see it happening overnight, but a few years could make a world of difference…

Aviduser, the AC Milan game was here and I think it was pretty well-managed, no? And this game is at the Khalifa Stadium and that may pose a challenge. But then they managed several other big events, like the Asian Games opening and closing ceremonies itself, the Emir’s Cup and a few others. Sure, it may be a more difficult event, but I sincerely feel you’re overreacting about this going to be a publicity nightmare. I don’t believe that. I’ll believe it when I see it, while reporting the match.

AND Aviduser, I wish you’d be more careful about what you write. You’ve got your facts wrong and accuse the ‘England vs Brazil game’ as a bone thrown by FIFA to this country.

If that was intended to be a joke, it was deeply offending. If it was not, then I’ll seriously ask you to consider a bit more before you write. There are people, including me, who respect you for your intelligent writing. Please don’t let such ‘off the cuff’ remarks change that. This article will show that you may have been mistaken…

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1212651/Charles-Sale-Englands-friendly-Brazil-means-payback-time-Wembley-backer.html

Aviduser, I do agree that housing shortage will be a problem. And I cannot think of anything at present that could take care of the problem. But at the same time, I also feel its not impossible. The authorities will have to think up of unique ways. But they will, for sure. I’m at least optimistic.

Sorry for the long reply, guys. I shall retire for the night. I’ll read the replies tomorrow and possibly post later. Once again, sorry for the rant.

Will definitely encourage the bid the points above are so right, it's money in the bank for FIFA I bet they can't believe their luck that they are bidding.

The friendly match is a bone thrown to them to say thanks for the cheque.

English fans WILL come here and I imagine in fairly large numbers. This is England V Brazil !

What happens will be a big wake up to the Qatari's

The above comments are spot on, Qatar really should concentrate on trying to pull the country into the 21st century rather than trophy sports events.

Look at the D ring, it's been 3 years since they started that and is it finished ? NOPE instead Qatar fell out with the contractor and now owes them 81 Million EUROS.

How smart is that ?

People forget the Asian games STADIA were completed but were the hotel rooms that were promised ? NOPE ! Anyone remember they had cruise ships for the overflow.

3.1 MILLION people attended the last World cup I will say that again 3.1 MILLION over 4 weeks.

OK I admit that ONLY 2.1 Million of those people that attended in Germany were from overseas as opposed to domestic fans but that still leaves Qatar looking for accommodation for 2.1 million people.

Now that's the number of FANS and doesn't include the press, support teams, coaches the TEAMS THEMSELVES. The list goes on and on.

So tell me NOW. RIGHT NOW anyone how those people will be accommodated ?

Losail will house 450,000 people WHEN FINISHED. the Pearl a further 40,000.

At the moment there are approx 7500 hotel rooms. So where will the rest stay.

WHERE WILL 1.5 MILLION people sleep.

Now where will they EAT.

Where will 80,000 people congregate before and after each game ?.

EXILEDSAINT:

I edited this due to the fact that I like my job but you know what I mean

Not US we can just sit back and marvel at it all.

You've hit the point aviduser and some of us know the answer but cannot post it....

The roads are a disgrace. a 5 billion gas plant can be completed in 3 years but that last little bit outside city center is still not done... someone needs to start asking serious questions rather than sweeping it all under the rather large (persian) carpet...

or unable to back up what the decision makers want to be with actions that will be enforced and can withstand people's complaints. I for one, don't understand why they want to be ALL things. Why not just be what they are and do it well: a small, socially conservative Islamic country, with vast wealth and a high standard of living among the citizenry. Why do they need to add another film festival to the region but require censorship when there are 2 in the UAE that do not. Why do they need to hold the Olympics here, when there are only a negligible number of true Qatari athletes? Why hold the World Cup here when their own soccer team is not only comprised of non-Qataris but also doesn't have a strong program? Why hold Beach parties when you don't want men and women to mix; you don't approve of alcohol; and some don't even approve of music or dancing?

WHY? WHY? WHY? Why doesn't Qatar figure out what it wants to be and then stand behind their decisions?

I didn't drink the kool-aid! -- PM

PM, your point - a small, socially conservative Islamic country, with vast wealth and a high standard among the citizenry- is extremely well said.

As for why? The answer is simply because wanting something is one thing, achieving it is another, the indeterminate 'in between area' is risky & wisdom (free from the 'ME' and the 'I') is crucial to realize when to stop.

You have a beautiful Christian prayer that says

God grant me the serenity

to accept the things I cannot change;

Courage to change the things I can;

And wisdom to know the difference.

If only Wisdom could be bought, but Alas it can't. Therefore it maybe saner sticking with growing a collection porous Hermes birkins or yachts or even Marie osmond dolls, who cares! If only just to spare the Arab identity the stigma attached to appearing indecisive in front of their people or the world stage.

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

This will be great publicity for Qatar because millions around the world will want to watch this match, but afterwards it will be a public relations disaster as the English fans that do visit, (and many will come) will report back on lack of facilities, a restrictive society that does not welcome foreigners and a total lack of pre and post match entertainment. Not to mention the English fans that get arrested for being drunk in public... or will they.... will the police turn a blind eye because the eyes of the world will be on them and they want to appear to be relaxed and tolerant?

The loudest thing you will here from the England fans which will go around the world is 8 f**king quid for a pint!

i am AVIDUSER-FAN!

100%

this man speaks gold!

aviduser..did you edit your post? lol I was just about to thank you for the kind words. Thanks anyway :)

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

Wait and see what happens when England Play Brazil.

See how many English fans turn up and find there is only one place to drink THEN wait till they get to the stadium only to be told their expensive tickets don't have seat numbers and they can't come in as there is no room left in the singles section.

This friendly has public relations nightmare written ALL OVER IT.

Let's see what FIFA say after the fiasco we ALL know the game will become.

FIFA is corrupt they take money from small country for president pocket

maybe qatar give them lots of money and they give football

very sad day for football

sad day for progress

Have to share this with you guys. I was in a meeting this afternoon with some Qatar olympic Officials on unrelated business our firm is consulting on. Well these guys are so excited about their chances, they actually believe they stand a fantastic chance of securing the hosting rights. They kept going on about how great the Asian Games were and also the most successful (how they figure that I don't know as it is well documented it was the least well attended). But these bafoons actually think they stand a chance. My colleague who is a brit and a huge footie fan as well had to hold our breath to stop laughing listening to these clowns. They think putting in a bid will put Qatar on the map, and to quote "just like the olympic bid did"....Sorry to tell you bafoons but you were the laughing stock of the Olympic bid, now you are the JOKE of the World Cup bid.....Your national team is crap, you don't have a football culture and money won't buy you a World Cup.

beso, don't you get it? Because you're supposed to be impressed when insightful displays of wealth are making headlines...Thats supposed to be Your entertainment and you're supposed to fawn, clap & sing songs of praise then fall facedown in roadwork ditch on the way home.

Abulla32, I don't know would they?

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

nice

Twitter Back

FIFA and Sepp Twatter are corrupt money grabbing Fagins, but even they wouldn't stoop so low as to ruin a world-cup by hosting it here... would they

Gadarene & Raven, Well said. You would think that access to that insurmountable wealth would finally afford some common sense, but as most of the logical posters here are repeating, it sadly hasn't.

A pity, it's further stereotyping the Arab psyche as superficial amoebic nomads, incapable of meaningful, responsible or logical development.

When they shortchange privilege with vulgar displays of material wealth in what already appears to be a failed attempt to impress the rest of the world they end up with nothing more than scoffs at yet another promulgated vision of yesteryears Bedouin in the dessert with all his Bentley's.

It just doesn't work & always floats belly up as nothing but an obvious act of superficial profligacy.

Raven made a lucid observation, that Qatar will "turn up with their bid application fee which is millions of US$, thanks for the donation guys"

IMHO a donation like that is just frivolous waste! ESP when starving children are more entighteled. I believe that the first step of progress can only be measured when one realizes that access to money isn't a right, it's a responsibility.

As said Gadarene stressed something's in life simply can't be bought and that is the privilege of a coherent sophisticated aptitude towards the real world.

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

think that they have a snowball's chance in hell of getting the World Cup here. Heat; Islamic mores; restrictions on wardrobe, drinking, genders interacting; no economical accomodation for tourists; poor infrastructure -- take your pick on which one would be a deal breaker.

And re: the whole alcohol issue - as gadarene pointed out, most expats who DO drink do so moderately and without incident.

And to borrow some words from another: "I don't understand the purpose of the line 'I don't need to drink to have fun.' Great, no one does. But why start a fire with flint and sticks when they've invented the lighter? "

"Marriage is a wonderful institution...but who wants to live in an institution?" -- Groucho Marx

Instead of going to this weak chance, and lost a lot of money , why they don't use this big money in their infra structure, why they don't invest it in making some entertainment places like Dubai. they still don't have big Theme park.. they don't have the basic entertainment places...!!!

Qatar must be the laughing stock on the world football stage to think they have a chance hosting this event. I was lucky enough to be in Germany in 2006 and I couldn't think of a worse place on the planet than to hold it in this dump! Qatar can't even build a decent roading network, public transportation network or any decent infrastructure, and they honestly think they are capable of hosting a World Cup. Fifa must love it that these clowns turn up with their bid application fee which is millions of US$, thanks for the donation guys, fat chance you'll be seriously considered but thanks for the money!! I cannot in all honesty think of one good reason why the world cup would ever come here, or to the middle east for that matter!

@ sabrang kidul,they changed to "a more modest outfits" because they didn't have a choice,the bid was already sold to Qatar & they were expected to come & play for their country but had to change their scientifically designed outfits to suit the ridiculous rules here,i'm sure if any of them were asked they would say that they changed outfits because they had to NOT because they wanted to...& that to a large extent is the whole point,the FIFA World Cup is the same event every time it's held,why should the rules change in the unlikely event that it's held here? because they have the money to change the rules?...that worked for the poor Asians but it's a different story with the FIFA World Cup...not everything in this world can be bought,somethings need to be earned & this country has a long long way to go for that,if ever they do...

@ oryx, 'a little confused' would be an understatement mate...the forecast is more like,mostly confused with a slight chance of clarity...but don't count on it!!...

Well said PM

Socially Qatar seems a little confused in its objectives...

A week ago dress code was tightened up (no mini-skirts)

and no alcohol to be served at beach parties

Now a world cup bid???

@Edifis: what about the women's beach volleyball at the last asian games? Did the jails overflown with all those athletes ? or did they change to a more modest outfits.....?

@ Greeker,your optimism is admirable,however as PM & Dali have correctly pointed out,it's about the attitude of the locals,who think money can buy anything...well they're wrong about that & it will be proven for sure when the bids are decided...speaking of injustice,India & Qatar were final contenders for the last Asian games,however the points tally had India with a clear margin over Qatar yet Qatar won the bid by obviously giving whoever concerned a big fat cheque & of course,the poor Asians accepted it & handed them the games,which incidentally,were the least attended games in the history of the Asian games & when asked about the low attendance & the resulting low returns from ticket sales,a certain member of the royal family was quoted in the press as saying that even if there wasn't a single spectator for the games,they don't care as they only wanted to prove a point that Qatar can host an event of this magnitude...so as i mentioned earlier,these guys aren't interested in the beauty of the game or people coming together from all over the world or anything of the sort,they just want to prove a point that their immense wealth can buy them anything & a country with such an attitude & lack of the spirit of the game has no right to even bid for any global sporting events,let alone actually host it...also as somebody correctly pointed out,should a country that has never ONCE got past the qualifying stages for the world cup be eligible to host the games?...as for the alcohol part of it,does having a few beers to while enjoying the game automatically have to translate to binge drinking & hooliganism?...completely untrue,the point is to be able to enjoy a pint or two while enjoying the game,sure there will be the fringe that consumes in excess & causes a public nuisance but one can see that fringe anywhere in the world where alcohol is available,including here...anyone(like myself) who's been to Sharazad @ the ramada to catch a big game will vouch for the fact that they've seen the small bunch of locals who get loud & act funny after a couple of beers but they're just that,a fringe,a small % of the total number of people in there,the rest enjoy the game as much as they enjoy their pints & go home without bothering anyone...for an event of this scale,it's ridiculous to point @ the small % of likely binge drinkers/hooligans/trouble makers & claim that's what allowing alcohol will result in...They've actually banned alcohol @ public events which is a huge step backwards & you're saying who's to say things won't change in 13 years,you're right,they probably will,for the worse & i for one,God willing hope to get the hell out of here by then...

@ oasiscars,you're right mate,the key words though are "for some people",absolutely right,for a very small % of people that i mentioned above,the event would be an excuse to get piss drunk & cause a nuisance,for the rest of us,it's about enjoying a few pints of chilled beer while we watch & enjoy the game but if alcohol is banned @ public events & in the impossibility that these guys actually win the bid,you & me won't be able to enjoy those few pints while watching the game & why should you & me be denied that right due to someone else's point of view?,this is a global event NOT a middleeastern one right?...i'm not going to be 'loyal' & say i support the bid when they quite clearly don't deserve it,i work here & work very hard & provide my services to the people of this country instead of doing the same for my own people back home,THAT is my way of being loyal,sure i get paid but i'm working hard to earn that pay just like everyone else here & elsewhere in the world for that matter...sure,the money is better here than my home country & it's tax-free but there are many many things money can't buy my friend & those things i can get back home but not here for ANY amount of money...the same applies to this bid mate,a country should be worthy & eligible to host the World Cup NOT just some country with immense wealth trying to prove a point,let them stick to UN conferences & the gymnastics world cup for that,don't mess with the real thing...

What about the latin American female fans who are so keen to shed their clothes without batting an eyelid and show their super boobs! Is Qatar ready for that?

Otherwise we may find the Qatari Jails overflowing with Latina prisoners!

Greeker yes there is Alcohol in Qatar now.

But Qatar is a Muslim country and the fact remains that the majority of Qataris are against alcohol in Qatar. When they start voting, which according to the hopefuls will be soon, you don't need to be a genius to predict that will campaign against alcohol in the country and were not talking about just the zany religious demography, I'm referring to the balanced moderate Qatari's whom when given that right will be coming out of the woodwork.

So don't be so sure ascertaining "who says it will not be MUCH MORE freely available in 13 years" in time for the Big Party.

It has nothing to do with mentalities changing, it's their religion and their country and just as many have expressed that Muslims must assimilate and adopt the culture of the Western countries they have chosen to call home, wouldn't you think it's wise and fair to extend the same pragmatism and respect you expect from them in your home, knowing that although a country can develop in many ways there is something non-negotiable regarding the Qatari's creed and religion and expect the Qatari populous to exchange a religion they hold dear for the sake of their guests.

Instead why don't you adopt newer aspirations involving Qatar. More affable ones by approaching this need for alcohol with measured doses of realism, forbearance & gallant courtliness in order to truly embrace the sprit of Qatar.

Am I to understand from the opinions stated above that the concept of not having a beer fuelled World Cup Big Party without being armed with mood altering spirits is the only norms according to their lifestyle? That in every event leads to drunken hooliganism, please don't come back at me with this doesn't apply to all drinkers. But what does apply to all drinkers is this simple question.

Why not empower your lives with no dependency on Alcohol, is the outcome so bleak of living in an untainted un-induced form of happiness so alien. Then perhaps it's a psychological problem in need of anti depressants if one cannot function without inducing good moods?

Think about it if teetotalers can rev up the spirit for a world cup game then aren't you all entightled to the same level of independence & control of your bodies?

Not only is non dependency on spirits to uplift questionable moods a liberating feeling It's a great state of existence to ones health and your pocket books as well.

As for the Government, they really should reassess the need to cater to the alcohol dependant fans & tourists because ultimately they are doing them a disservice. Why not solve the many other tribulations they often write about instead of numbing their senses. Since living in Qatar a lot of people are drinking more heavily than they were back home.

If, off course the introduction of more alcohol is a business and source of economy for the duration of the World Cup in Qatar, then it's still isn't worth it because it won't come anywhere near the cost of hosting the event with the air-conditioned stadium and the 'surprises'

Pragmatism is a good thing, as the writers wrote above Qatar should leave the world cup to those who can host it on every level.

Greeker one more things you also wrote "2016 ...

It was a clear injustice on the part of the International Olympic Committee to choose other cities, like Rio de Janeiro, over Doha for the 2016 Games, despite us scoring significantly better than them."

Who is 'us'?

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

"changes" that one has seen along the way in Qatar's history over the past 10 years are all subject to complete reversal if the whim strikes.

For every woman that appears without a veil there is a huge backlash from many of the local population who hate change. For every attempt to open up the country to tourism by providing beach venues, there is someone hauling women out of the malls for showing their shoulders or knees. For every promotion of 5-star hotels with fine dining and bars; there is someone complaining about alcohol being served and the next thing you know beach parties with DJ become dry events. For every social event being offered, there is someone complaining about men and women mixing.

I love Qatar, but there is a REASON things like the World Cup have never been held in the Middle East. And that reason hasn't changed.

I didn't drink the kool-aid! -- PM

same kind of ad is on Ramada hotel.

i felt so sad on those guys who paste these poster on the Ramada Hotel, i think those guys took total 2 days and night to paste on that wall of Ramada.

2022...i am sure i may not here. days are so so so so far.

until then, those are children now becomes adults-those are adults may married and have children-those are having children may be thinking how can i save my salary to further childrens higher studies or their marriage....goes on.......

_______________________________________

When others are bad, you are angry. When you are bad, you are sad.

_____________________________________________________

for some ppl beer is most important thing in any event even in football match even if that true in some cases ,yes most of us like to have some beer and enjoy but not to extent to make the whole event on drinking beer,and since we live in this country and work here 2 so at least show some loyality to the country which afford you and make u have some money since in urs own country u didnt find wat u find here .

If Qatar get to host the 2022 world cup it will be the biggest sign of corruption in FIFA. It just doesn't matchup in any criteria with the rest. Having said that I personally would love to see the world cup in Qatar.

"Everyone should believe in something, I believe I will have another drink!!!."

I fear that when the game will be held, will be a lot of tourists and a lot of problnm with this. Tourists like alcohol .....

Being a huge Football fan, supporting my Fav team in the WC is on my ‘100 things to do before I die list’. Hence I would be extremely happy if Qatar hosts the WC. Imagine, no accommodation costs, no travel costs… My only cost would be tickets to watch the matches. But then again, should a country who never even qualified for a single WC be allowed to host the biggest tournament in the world.(Assuming they don’t qualify for the 2014 & 2018 games) And Would I still want to be in Doha Qatar in 2022? No way in hell!!! Plus the host country are always favored (South Korea 2002 ,England 1966, France 1998,Germany 2006 etc etc) and I would not like to see Qatar reach the semi’s/finals at the cost of better teams.

GOOD LUCK........................................

In many coutries (notably australia and england), cricket is viewed as an excuse to drink and do nothing. People go to the ground armed with heavy eskys full of booze.

However, in the subcontinent the alcohol factor is largely missing. Hero-Honda and Sahara ads dominate instead of Fosters and VB .

But who's to say that cricket is less fun to watch in India, Pakistan or Srilanka compared to in Australia or England.

My point is, alcohol or no alcohol is a cultural thing and has no bearing at all with the fun of the game.

Will lack of opportunity to drink in the open (I'm not talking about drinking in private) really stop people from coming to support their national teams? Don't think so.

Moreover, maybe the game will be much more enjoyable without those bunch of drunken hooligans roaming the street inciting trouble.......

world cup is about FUN! celebration! party! alcohol.. being a li'l open minded is needed..

so, is qatar ready for that?

public transport and accommodation are definitely big issues, but what about the heat? Although many disciplines can take place inside a stadium, which could potentially be air conditioned, there are still a significant number which don't. So, how will the heat be dealt with?

Qatar can not get the bid without a valid public transportation system, Budget accommodations for the visitors, easier and more acceptable visa entry system, while a special visa system can be made for the visitors just for the duration of the world cup, giant almost pro bono hostels can be built to accommodate the visitors (remember the committee may have no problem forking a lot of money), I don't See Qatar being able to make a valid dependable public transportation system in time.

They aren't basing their decision on 13 years time, they are basing their decision on right now, as they don't have a time machine. And right now, there is noway they will host a World Cup in Doha unless they want it to be the biggest failure in history.

Who says there is no alcohol in Doha? Isn't it avilable now? And who says it will not be MUCH MORE freely available in 13 years time?

Why does people have to be pessimistic and think that mentalities will never change? Every country will change with time. if someone says it isn't the case and Qatar will never change, then I would have to politely say that "that's bull crap!"

It was a clear injustice on the part of the International Olympic Committee to choose other cities, like Rio de Janeiro, over Doha for the 2016 Games, despite us scoring significantly better than them.

Don't start me on that. Chairboy, it was not wistful thinking from the Qataris. They knew what they were talking about. But what's done is done. I just hope FIFA has more sense than the IOC and are not governed by a set of preconceived notions when they hear the word Middle East...

Biggest insurmountable obstacle that will not be overcome and make Qatar the last place on Earth after Saudi to hold the World Cup: ALCOHOL. No booze, no soccer. End of story.

@ Garadene - you are right of course - I was trying to think of a ridiculously small country to make the point and I chose badly!!!! Think Andorra, Lichtenchtein ?? the vatican, Narnia.....the point Im making which I dont think is lost on you that whoever throws their hat into the ring as a candidate is almost going to be ahead of Qatar right from the word go.........seriously, the bid has less chance than the olympic bid which was, at best, ridulously optimistic. But hey, lets not be overly pessimistic - let us wait until millions have been spent on the bid and then Qatar is binned in the first round of assessment - then the nationals can all be made to feel like pieces of cheese - honestly, they do set themselves up for a fall!!!

I feel Qatar has a genuine chance to make it to the top. Their biggest USP is that the event has never been held in the Middle East. Such an event will surely help dispel some of the insecurities people feel about the region when they first hear of it.

I agree with all the above-mentioned comments, about the culture, about the lack of good roads, infrastructure and the like.

But don't you feel that Qatar has changed dramatically in the past five years? Could you have imagined today's country had it not been for the Asian Games? This is but a natural evolution for the country. With the kind of money they are investing into sports and education projects, I should say the leadership is passionate and serious about promoting Qatar as a great sports destination.

A woman representative from Qatar first appeared veil-less during the opening ceremony of the 2002 Busan Asian Games. And see how much things have changed in just seven years? It is only a matter of initiative and gritty determination.

From the outset, all the above-mentioned problems may sound insurmountable. However once someone starts making a serious attempt, things will fall into place smoothly. The Doha Tribeca Film Festival is an example. Qatar didn't have a film culture and they had to start from scratch. See how fast they have built excitement around the unique project among Qatar's movie loving public?

Sure, there will be problems, but isn't that what makes a challenge more relishing? There are no problems that determination cannot solve. The royal family would not have involved themselves in the bid had not they passionately believed that things can indeed be changed.

I believe the bid is doable. Believe that we can, because we CAN!

the discussion and complaints are by all means valid, but even IF they achieve all those things, my question is: what on earth can they do about the heat?

- world's largest umbrellas promoting passive cooling?

- build a tunnel to draw cool air from somewhere (some mountain range like the Elburz mountains?) and spread it around the whole city?

- hypnotise all incoming and local residents into believing it is only 20c?

- have a giant water spraying fan?

- issue all athletes personal ac units? (in the sense of new regulations as necessary uniforms)

I like problem solving, bu due to my environmental interests, i really wonder if there could be an elegant solution to all this? Or will it need just a vulgar and unsustainable amount of money?

@ Chairboy,considering even San Marino as small as it is has over 2 decades experience in hosting an F1 grand prix,my money,sensible or not, would be on San Marino as well!

I think Baghdad has a better chance.

Deluded, utterly deluded. The competition maybe 12 years away but the decision making process is already underway - Qatar has very little time to influence the authorites that it can cope/has what it takes to host a/the major global single sports event. IMHO there are just TOO many barriers in place here in Qatar that the authorities could not conceive of easing to make this high profile event anything other than a pipe dream. Frankly if there were only 2 candidates for this event - Qatar and San Marino, I think the sensible money would be on San Marino!!!

@ sutcliffemd, i have one mate...grow up as a capital city & a country & get their basics in place,like an actual road network,a public transport system that's actually useful to the general public,laws that are more in keeping with the rest of the real world rather than the stone age ones they currently have in place...THEN bid for all these global scale events,until then, maybe leave it to the cities/countries who've had,oh i don't know,like 5-6 decades to perfect the above?...power solely from wealth can never be a substitute for knowledge & experience,but who's to tell that to these clowns eh?...

"Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, the 2022 Qatar bid chairman, has stated, "the event has to be organized in June or July. We will have to take the help of technology to counter the harsh weather. We have already set in motion the process. A stadium with controlled temperature is the answer to the problem. We have other plans up our sleeves as well."" - wikipedia

Ignoring the carbon costs of a fully air conditoned stadium, or three, i am very curious about the kinds of plans they have for this. Considering the amount of cash they have at their disposal, the coolest solution I can think of would be to establish platforms in the middle of the ocean in better latititudes, and turn them into massive floating stadiums. For example, they could buy a few islands in the indian ocean off of the Seychelles/Maldives. Maybe then having a beer wouldn't be that much of a problem :-)

Any other ideas?

@ wanderer,you obviously have Qatar's best interests @ heart & are optimistic about Qatar's chances which is why i'm guessing you posted this,so good on you for that...but let's be realistic here,the ONLY way these clowns are going to host it is by wielding their immense financial clout & buying off the whole of FIFA's top brass & even that seems highly unlikely as the global repurcussions of that buyout will not make it worth it for those guys to accept that money...otherwise,as my fellow QL'ers have rightly pointed out above,how does this "family only"/"no alcohol"/"cover every single body part"/"no PDA"/"non-existant public transport"/"pathetic road network"/"no budget/backpacker facilities or accomodation"/(& the list goes on) town realistically expect to host what is quite correctly the world's biggest party???...

BEST WISHES

{ wait &

see }

good luck...

----------

Quality dude! Quality!

Unfortunatelly not a single chance...Unless major changes happen....

Power to the non believers, it’s a great feeling to have and hold.

best wishes

BUT i dnt like the logo and the theme what they have made for this :( its not that attractive.

I totally agree PM, it couldn't have been said better.

Hi PM, What do you mean instead of the schizo flip-flopping, regarding which legal and social issues?

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

Thank god its 12 yrs away! Dread the thought of skyrocketing rents and inflation that was ignited during the Asian games bonanza.

Worse to hold a World Cup is Saudi.

I guarantee FIFA put Qatar on the short list

way2go Wanderer!

its nice to dream big.. 13 years from now. you will see a very different qatar...

let the dream continue and be realized....

way2go qatar...

Too much to catch on with..... i dont think its similar to asian games.. world cup is something hard to get on here.....

Given that a significant amount of football sponsorship comes from boose manufactureres, the 100,000+ fans will want to get pissed every night and the female Brasillian supporters are always keen to show that they have the most magnificent bodies in the world, I suspect that Qatar might not be the most sensible place to hold the world cup.

"only mad dogs and englishmen go out in the midday sun"

dream on qatar ;)

` c h i n g a A a l i n g `

"Everything in this book may be wrong." Illusions: The Adventures of The Reluctant Messiah by Richard Bach

social and legal climate.

Qatar needs to decide what it wants to be and someone needs to stand behind the decisions they make, instead of the schizophrenic flip-flopping on every issue.

I didn't drink the kool-aid! -- PM

I think the "No alcohol at any events" is a government scheme to hoard enough alcohol to flood entire Doha with beer during the WC2022!

They are stocking it now for later use!

MD.. just beer ..duh!!! how about Jack Daniels lol...

______________________________________________

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

qatar no fun

qatar no like other peoples

no football party here save it for nice peoples who are much friendlies to foreign

"Everything in this book may be wrong." Illusions: The Adventures of The Reluctant Messiah by Richard Bach

It will be beautiful. All schools will be closed again to avoid traffic congestion. Beer will be served at every corner shop. Go for it Qatar!

agree with donosa, and the amount of ppl that will be coming will be overwhelming

Sorry, but WHO would want to go see the World Cup at Qatar?? It is a big big BIG party, where there is beer involved, loads of people of all ages and genders, screaming and hugging and jumping together around the streets of the host country, filling up hostels that are meant for budget travelers, site seeing the host country in scandalous clothes. It is a party, the major football party. And last time I checked all of the above is either against Islam or non-existent (budget traveling). Not to mention the pain in the but it is to get a visa if you are not a GCC, EU, USA or Canadian national.

None of that is permitted in Qatar, and will not exist in the next 13 years. They should save up their money for something else.