Qatar defies the pandemic by demonstrating its ability to organize a unique World Cup
Qatari is making all efforts to deal with the negative consequences of the pandemic and remains steadfast that it has the ability to successfully overcome the challenge.
The coronavirus pandemic will not affect the first-ever edition of the FIFA World Cup in the Middle East next year, as has been confirmed in the latest statements by Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman Al Thani, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Qatar.
In his statement, Sheikh Al Thani made reference to Qatar’s efforts to deal with the pandemic in an efficient and effective manner, stressing that there are programs under development that will ensure that all those coming to Qatar for the World Cup will receive the vaccine.
These statements by a senior Qatari official show that Qatar is earnestly committed to moving forward with its plan to host a unique edition of the World Cup. Factors that will make this the most unique World Cup in history include: the date of the tournament (Nov-Dec 2022), the modern and distinctive stadiums, the provision of state-of-the art cooling systems, the quality of public transport, the short distance between the stadiums, and the fact that it will be the first edition held in the Middle East.
Qatari is making all efforts to deal with the negative consequences of the pandemic, which has affected all aspects of life around the entire world, and remains steadfast that it has the ability to successfully overcome the challenge. The fact that Qatar has been successfully able to host several sporting events amid the pandemic is proof of this and has contributed to deepening its experience in dealing with this unprecedented situation.
Perhaps the image exported to the entire world by the organization of the FIFA Club World Cup, demonstrates Qatar’s capacity to face the pandemic, as the tournament was perfectly organized, with the presence of fans that occupied 30% of the total capacity of the stadium, in line with FIFA guidelines. With the procedures currently in place, Qatar will be able to host the World Cup with the eight stadiums at 100% capacity. This fact will allay global concerns about the possible repercussions for the World Cup should the pandemic continue at the same level.
Aside from the FIFA Club World Cup, Qatar has hosted several other sporting events during the pandemic, including the AFC Champions League, the inauguration of the Ahmed Bin Ali World Cup Stadium, as well as tennis, table tennis, equestrian and beach volleyball tournaments.