Qatar continues to amaze the football world: Infantino

QNA Doha Qatar continues to amaze the football world in its journey towards hosting a historic World Cup, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has said, describ...

QNADohaQatar continues to amaze the football world in its journey towards hosting a historic World Cup, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has said, describing the country’s latest World Cup tournament venue that was inaugurated on Friday as a “work of art”.Al Thumama Stadium is another architectural icon of the 2022 tournament stadiums, and bears a special symbolism for Qatar and the region, Infantino said.The stunning venue – which was designed by Qatari architect Ibrahim M Jaidah – was inaugurated in the presence of His Highness the Amir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Infantino, as the country marked yet another milestone on the road to 2022.Infantino expressed his desire to attend the matches of the 2021 FIFA Arab Cup organized by Qatar in a few weeks and to enjoy less than a year later the competitions of the first edition of the World Cup to be held in the Arab world and the Middle East.“Qatar continues to amaze the football world and it will not stop until the curtain closes on the FIFA World Cup. Al Thumama Stadium is another work of art and carries a lot of significance for the country and the region. I cannot wait to see the first FIFA pan-Arab football tournament being held right here in a few weeks’ time, and to witness the first FIFA World Cup in the Middle East just one year from now.“I am thrilled to be here today, next to HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and to have the opportunity to personally thank him for Qatar’s efforts, which go way beyond delivering what will be the best FIFA World Cup ever in 2022.”Designed to resemble the ‘gahfiya’ head cap worn by men and boys across the Arab world, Al Thumama is the first FIFA World Cup stadium to be designed by a Qatari architect. The 40,000-capacity venue will host matches up to the quarter-finals stage during Qatar 2022. It follows Khalifa International, Al Janoub, Education City, Ahmad Bin Ali and Al Bayt stadiums in being declared ready to host matches during next year’s tournament.Engineer Yasir Al Jamal, Chairman of the SC’s Operations Office and Vice Chairman of the Technical Delivery Office, said, “The stadium is spectacular and the inauguration is yet another milestone in our preparations. Two more stadiums - Al Bayt and Ras Abu Aboud - will be unveiled during the FIFA Arab Cup, followed by Lusail Stadium in 2022.”