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Soccer

QATAR 2022

Infantino impressed by Al Bayt stadium and Qatar's World Cup progress

Qatar's preparations for hosting the 2022 World Cup are ongoing with FIFA president Gianni Infantino claiming hat he was speechless after visiting Al Bayt stadium.

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A handout picture released by Qatar's Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy on October 7, 2020, shows the FIFA President Gianni Infantino (L) touring the al-Bayt football stadium, under construction in al-Khor, north of the Qatari capital Doha.
AFP

During a visit to Qatar, FIFA president Infantino heaped praise on Al-Bayt World Cup Stadium after a visit to the venue in Al-Khor. The ground will have a capacity for 60,000 spectators and will host the opening match of Qatar 2022 with the design of the stadium inspired by the traditional marquee-tent that reflects the Qatari culture.

Infantino played in a kickabout against the organizers of Qatar 2022 at the Al-Bayt Stadium on the outskirts of the city of Al-Khor with the venue expected to be officially inaugurated within the next few months.

"Al Bayt Stadium is incredible: a true football stadium," Infantino said in a FIFA statement. "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."

A momentous event

The FIFA chief added: "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 labour reforms announced by the government," Infantino said, adding: "I am very pleased with Qatar’s progress ahead of the tournament."

He continued: "Already in 2020 one can see that everything will be close at hand where fans of all nationalities will have the opportunity to use a great public transport service, as well as enjoy the moderate temperature of Qatar at that time of year, it will be a momentous event "he added.

A handout picture released by Qatar's Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy on October 7, 2020, shows the FIFA President Gianni Infantino (C) touring the al-Bayt football stadium, under construction in al-Khor, north of the Qatari capital Doha.
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A handout picture released by Qatar's Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy on October 7, 2020, shows the FIFA President Gianni Infantino (C) touring the al-Bayt football stadium, under construction in al-Khor, north of the Qatari capital Doha.AFP

Despite the challenges posed by the coronavirus crisis, Qatar's preparations have carried on with strict hygiene measures in place, to keep all workers safe.

Three of the eight announced World Cup stadiums inaugurated are: Al-Janoub, Al-Khalifa International, Education City as well as three others that are in the final phase of preparation: Al-Bayt, Al-Rayyan, and Al-Thumama.