(MENAFN- The Peninsula) Ayeni Olusegun |
The Peninsula
Doha: FIFA President Gianni Infantino has once again emphasised the impressive state of readiness for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
While speaking at the just-concluded Qatar Economic Forum, Powered by Bloomberg, yesterday, the world football governing body head said infrastructure, accommodation and other mechanisms are in line to give fans a memorable experience.
“I think the whole country here and more of the whole region is tuning in for this World Cup. The stadiums are all ready one year before the World Cup, which is unique,” Infantino said.
“I am now in this business for the last couple of decades; I've never seen such a state of readiness for a big event like here. We are getting ready, day by day, more and more, to welcome two million people here in Qatar from the airport to the accommodation and transportation. Everything is done to make this experience very special for all,” he added.
Infantino also said the facilities, including accommodation, are ready to host fans. Authorities launched an official accommodation platform with multiple fan options during the tournament, such as existing hotels, residential units like villas, flats, tents and cruise ships.
“Yes, there will be tents as well in the desert. We have also seen that; it's fantastic — the desert experience. There are beautiful hotels as well. Accommodation is not a worry. Everything is done for there to be enough accommodation and as well of course in the neighbouring countries. Let's not forget this; Qatar 2022 is also the World Cup of the GCC and the whole Middle East.”
With five months to go, Qatar 2022, which will run from November 21 to December 18, will be the first time the tournament has been staged in the Middle East.
Highlighting this uniqueness, Infantino said this is an opportunity for people to visit and understand the region while emphasising the significant reforms of the last ten years.
“FIFA is a sports organisation, we are the governing body, but football and the World Cup is much more than that. It is not just the most incredible show on earth, the biggest event but with the ability to bring significant social impact.
“So all this progress has been done because of the spotlight of the World Cup. It has been done in a record-breaking time. Now, we must ensure that there is not just a text of the legislation, but it is implemented.”
FIFA expects around five billion people, more than half the world population, to tune in for Qatar 2022. Ticket sales have been massive, with over 23 million ticket requests and an impressive five million ticket requests for the final.
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