World Cup key supporter of Qatar National Vision goals: al-Thawadi

HE the Secretary-General of the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy (SC) Hassan al-Thawadi

HE the Secretary-General of the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy (SC) Hassan al-Thawadi underlined that the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 represents an exceptional event whose importance is not limited to football competitions, rather an embodiment for the objectives that the State of Qatar established in its National Vision 2030, which include economic diversification, support for environmental initiatives, human development and social progress. In an exclusive interview with Qatar News Agency (QNA), HE al-Thawadi said that the State of Qatar views the World Cup as a comprehensive event that goes beyond the boundaries of stadiums, stemming from its belief in the power of sport in making a positive change in societies, especially football; noting that the World Cup has also been the main supporter of many initiatives, and a catalyst for social and economic development alike. HE al-Thawadi cited the “Scoring for the Goals” event for sustainable development as an example. The State of Qatar launched the initiative at the United Nations headquarters recently within the framework of its preparations to host a sustainable edition of the World Cup, and in continuation of its sustainable approach, especially as the initiative includes the seventeen UN Sustainable Development Goals. HE the SC Secretary-General affirmed Qatar’s commitment to deliver a unique edition of the world’s largest and most prestigious football championship. A World Cup edition that will leave a social, humanitarian, economic and environmental legacy. He reiterated the readiness of the State of Qatar to host the major global event from November 20 to December 18 in the best organisational form; pointing to the completion of all eight stadiums that will host the tournament. Meanwhile, HE al-Thawadi noted that the features of the World Cup FIFA Qatar 2022 have begun to appear as final operational preparations are on full swing, as well as the completion of arrangements to welcome the fans and media outlets who have broadcasting rights which have already arrived in Doha, and the preparation of their broadcasting venues and studios is nearing completion. He said that the State of Qatar has long passed the stage of responding to sceptics of its ability to host the World Cup; stressing: “From the first day, we were sure that actions on the ground will prove to everyone Qatar’s ability to host a major tournament like the World Cup.” He noted that since winning the honour of hosting the World Cup, the State of Qatar has organised many important events that responded to all sceptics, including the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2021, which was the most important opportunity to test the operational plans for the World Cup in an integrated manner. HE the Secretary-General of the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy (SC) said that the high demand for the World Cup tickets is due to several factors, including that the tournament is the first world championship after Covid-19. Tokyo Olympics were held without fans, and the UEFA EURO 2020 was held under restrictions that limited the number of fans, while the World Cup Qatar 2022 will be the first tournament without restrictions, and there is no doubt that the world is eager to attend global events. He added that the high demand for the World Cup tickets is also linked to fact that the sporting event will be held for the first time in the Middle East and the Arab world where everyone is eager to attend. In addition, Qatar 2022 will be the first tournament of its kind in terms of the ability of fans to attend more than one match on the same day, which attracts fans around the world. HE al-Thawadi underlined that the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 is an opportunity to bring the peoples of the world closer together, offering a perfect football version and an integrated experience that shows the Qatari customs, traditions and culture and the Arab hospitality, as well as changing the stereotype of the Arab world, leaving a legacy that serves the people of the region and the whole world. In conclusion, HE al-Thawadi said that football is a popular first-class global sport, and that major tournaments such as the World Cup leave good memories for both the fans and hosts; noting that the State of Qatar, the Arab World and the Middle East are characterised by hospitality, which will leave impressions among the fans different than the prevailing impressions of the region.