Younis Mahmoud: Qatar 2022 Will Set a Benchmark for Future World Cups

Doha, January 17 (QNA) – Iraq’s legendary captain Younis Mahmoud, ambassador for the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC), underlined that Qatar 2022 will set a benchmark for future World Cups, and will provide a much-needed opportunity for the rest of the world to rid themselves of the many negative stereotypes they have about the region by experiencing both Arab culture and the world-class infrastructure that will be in place for the tournament. In an interview with the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy, Younis Mahmoud said that as with all World Cups, Qatar 2022 will allow fans from all over the globe to meet, learn about different traditions and celebrate the beautiful sport at a time when so many people have suffered through the COVID-19 pandemic. He noted that Qatar 2022 will undoubtedly raise the level of ambition for all Arab countries, both on and off the pitch. National teams will be even more encouraged to compete at a higher level, particularly after the world’s most important football event takes place in their own region. Off the pitch, football authorities will compete to host more global sporting events, investing more in building the necessary infrastructure and local capacities to do so. Either way, Qatar 2022 will prove to be a watershed moment for millions of football fans across the Middle East. Highlighting that Qatar 2022 is set to be the most compact version of the World Cup in modern history, Mahmoud stressed that this unique feature was something that tournament organizers promised the world from the outset of the bidding process in 2010. It’s one of the many ways that Qatar 2022 will be a unique tournament that will set the benchmark for all World Cups moving forward. He noted that giving fans the potential of attending more than one match a day in person will change the way fans interact with the World Cup. Whereas in the past, fans had to usually travel long distances between stadiums, Qatar will offer a highly connected experience, with fans always being close to tournament venues, fan zones and cultural sites. The result will be a month-long festivity that will be remembered for a lifetime. From a player’s perspective, Mahmoud added, having spent years traversing the expansive Asian continent with the Iraq national team, I can tell you that being able to stay and train in one base camp throughout the tournament is something that all participating teams are looking forward to. Commenting on the period during the which Qatar 2022 will take place, Younis Mahmoud said: "Having lived and played in Qatar for many years, the temperatures at that time of year are ideal for football. When combined with the availability of innovative cooling technology at stadiums, the weather will not play any adverse role whatsoever. More importantly, perhaps, will be that this World Cup will come in the middle of the European domestic season, where most of the world’s top footballers play. This means that they will be at the peak of their fitness as opposed to being fatigued from a lengthy season. This will surely mean that fans will be treated to some exceptional performances, making the tournament even more memorable". On his work as an ambassador with the SC, Mahmoud said: "It’s an honour both for me and Iraq. Having the opportunity to play a role in delivering the first World Cup in our region is a tremendous experience that hopefully will leave behind a fruitful legacy for generations to come. Seeing first-hand the level of detail and commitment to sustainability and excellence that goes into every aspect of preparation is something that fills all people from the region with pride. Over the years, I have been able to witness the way football has been a transformative force in Qatar and throughout the region. I also know that this process of change will continue to unfold long after the tournament ends through the many legacy programmes that have been put in place by the SC". "Although I was never fortunate enough to qualify to the finals of the tournament, having played in qualifiers and as a fan of the World Cup myself, I can tell you that it is a tournament that occupies a very special place in the heart of Iraqi fans around the world. It is the dream of every player to partake in the World Cup, and the wish of every fan to cheer for them on the biggest stage. As a former player, I continue to support the dream of millions of Iraqi fans to see their team in the World Cup by working closely with the football family in the country to put in place the necessary groundwork for us to qualify to Qatar 2022," he added. Younis Mahmoud captained Iraq for ten years during a career that earned him 148 international caps and a reputation as one of the greatest strikers in Asian football history. On a club level, Mahmoud spent many years in the Qatar Stars League, representing the competitions top sides and winning several accolades, including top scorer several times and winning the league title three years in a row with Al Gharafah. His knowledge of Qatar’s football culture and his involvement with Qatar 2022 as an ambassador for the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) gives the talismanic striker strong insight into what the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 will mean to fans in the region and beyond. (QNA)