Infantino Praises Qatar's World Cup Preparations

Doha, October 07 (QNA) - FIFA President Gianni Infantino praised the State of Qatar's preparations to host the first World Cup competition in the Middle-East and Arab world, during a visit to Al Bayt Stadium that will host 60,000 fans. Infantino was briefed on the stadium, with its design resembling a traditional Arab tent. He also took part in a seven-a-side match played at the stadium located in Al Khor. "It is an absolute pleasure to play football at this amazing stadium, where on 21 November 2022, we will kick off the greatest FIFA World Cup ever," said Infantino. "Al Bayt Stadium is incredible: a true football stadium. It has a real football feel and a local touch. The tented shape makes it truly unique, and the Arabic patterns in the roof are just beautiful. I am speechless," he added. Preparations for Qatar 2022 have continued despite the pandemic following the implementation of stringent health and safety protocols to protect workers from COVID-19. Khalifa International, Al Janoub and Education City stadiums have all been inaugurated and are fully operational, with three others Al Bayt, Al Rayyan and Al Thumama in the final stages of construction. All eight venues will be completed well in advance of the tournament. "I am very pleased with Qatar’s progress ahead of the tournament. We have seen the plans, but when you see the reality, it is even more impressive. Qatar has been able to continue to advance during the last six months while the world stood still from infrastructure preparations to important developments such as the recent labor reforms announced by the government. If I was confident before, now I can say I am even more," Infantino said. He noted that everything will be close during the 2022 World Cup, allowing fans from all nationalities to gather in the same public areas and enjoy Qatar’s mild temperatures at that time of the year, stressing that it will be a World Cup like no other was or ever will be. For his part, Secretary General of the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy Hassan Al Thawadi said he was proud of the foundations laid by the country in the lead-up to the tournament. "We are immensely proud to be hosting the Arab world and Middle East’s first FIFA World Cup in 2022," he said. "With that pride comes a sense of responsibility, and that factor has been enhanced since the world has had to come to terms with COVID-19. We are optimistic that by kick-off in November 2022, we’ll be ready to welcome fans from every continent here in Qatar to celebrate together, united by their shared passion for football," Al Thawadi added. Al Thawadi also said it was a pleasure to welcome President Infantino to Al Bayt Stadium, noting that the stadium was particularly meaningful as it represents the town of Al Khor as well as the culture and history of Qatar through its special design. Meanwhile CEO of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 LLC Nasser Al Khater said that construction is nearly 90 percent complete. He added that the focus of SC is now shifting from delivering infrastructure to refining and optimizing the detailed operational planning and fan experience for the tournament. "We are also now significantly stepping up our promotion of the tournament to ensure as many people as possible have the opportunity to attend and enjoy this unique World Cup," he said. The stadium will include a shopping mall, gym, a multi-purpose hall, and a branch of leading sports medicine hospital Aspetar. (QNA)