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Qatar 2022: Reactions !!!

AFP

HH Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, Emir of Qatar:This achievement is a big one for all Arab countries and I hope that Qatar will successfully stage this tournament. We can promise that the infrastructure will be in place and that all Arabs will support our efforts. It was a difficult moment for us because the team headed by Sheikh Mohammad had a big hill to climb and it would have been difficult if we lost. But even if that happened, we wouldn't have given up and we would have doubled our efforts. A lot of people think that we are a small country, but we can accomplish great things.

Sheikh Mohammad bin Hamad Al-Thani, Qatar bid chairman
On behalf of millions living in the Middle East I want to thank you for having a bold vision. On behalf of all these people, we will not let you down. Thank you for acknowledging that this is the right time for Middle East. We are looking forward to the big date in the middle of 2022. I would like to acknowledge our competitors, who kept us busy. FIFA has taken this bold decision and we honestly thank them. I would also like to thank every single member of our bid committee who worked hard to make this dream come true. I would also like to say congratulations to his royal highness, the Emir, for believing that expanding the game and bringing it to our region is the right thing to do.

Zidane: A victory for the Arab world

Getty Images

An ambassador for Qatar’s bid to stage the 2022 FIFA World Cup™, former France midfielder Zinedine Zidane was all smiles on a dramatic Thursday afternoon in Zurich.

Speaking exclusively to FIFA.com, the usually reserved Zizou voiced his delight at the Qataris’ successful candidature and outlined what it means to him on a personal level and to the Arab world as a whole.

FIFA.com: Zinedine, how do you feel about the announcement?
Zinedine Zidane: Relieved more than anything because it’s never easy to support a bid. It’s like a competition. What makes me happy is the fact that the message I was trying to convey throughout the campaign seems to have got through. I was saying that football belonged to the whole world, and now Russia and Qatar, who’ve never organised the World Cup, will finally be hosting this amazing event. There’s a certain logic in that decision and it’s fantastic news for both countries.

You seem very happy. Why is that exactly?
I’m proud to have been part of this bid, which I’ve supported all the way through. I’m proud to have made my contribution to a new country getting the World Cup. Qatar and the entire Middle East as a whole deserves this event and that makes me happy.

You mention the Middle East. Do you see this as something that resonates beyond Qatar?
Yes, it’s a victory for the Arab world. Qatar has received support from the Arab world as a whole and I think that’s been an important factor. Now they’ve got a little bit of time to get down to work and do what they have to do, which is to harness sport and football to achieve some big things. They’ve got ten years to put a team together and stage a wonderful World Cup.

interview : Figo : Club World Cup is Inter's priority

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On the surface, little seems to have changed in the life of Portugal icon Luis Figo since the legendary wing wizard hung up his boots in May of last year. Still clearly in excellent physical condition and as professional as ever, the 2001 FIFA World Player remains involved in the beautiful game in his role as International Relations Manager for FC Internazionale Milano.
Ahead of the reigning European champions’ bid for global glory at the FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2010, the 38-year-old spoke exclusively to FIFA.com on a host of issues including the FIFA Ballon d’Or, Portugal’s new coach Paulo Bento and his country’s joint-bid to host the 2018 FIFA World Cup™.
FIFA.com: Luis, can you tell us how your working life has changed since you hung up your boots?Luis Figo: At the moment I’m working for Inter Milan as their International Relations Manager. I attend events related to the UEFA Champions League and the FIFA Club World Cup, such as the draw recently held in Zurich, as well as other competitions. But I’m also involved in the 'Inter Campus' social project, which helps children across the globe via a football development programme.

Move Aside USA and England, It’s Qatar’s Turn to Shine

Now this tournament has truely been inclusive. It has finally genuinly brought multicultuaralism to the table. A long time coming but an arab nation has finally gotten the honour to host the World Cup in twelve years time. Why celebrate from now? Well, if you live outside North America, it is the most prestigious tournament on the face of the earth. Being a host, means having the limelights on your country for a whole month. Not to mention the spot light you are under in the six months prior to that date. Not only is this a publicity victory, but a financial one too. As this is a very lucrative business hoarding millions of dollars from the sale of tickets, sports memorobilia, and other sponsor products and events.
Congradulations Qatar, you have finally managed to break the entire arab world from the tent inhabiting, camel riding stereotype that has kept the entire arab nation hostage, except for a few. Coming from an oil rich gulf country, I’m pretty sure that they will not leave a single penny unspent for the sake of putting the world in awe. Yes, I’m pretty sure there will be a spectacular show twelve years from now. Whether you are a football/soccer fan or not, I think this is a tournament worth having front and center seats for.

The Eight Most Historical Stadiums in Europe

The 8 Most Historical Stadiums in Europe

1. Old Trafford ( Manchester United ):

Opened: 19 February 1910
Architect: Archibald Le itch
Capacity: 76212 (seats)

 

1. Anfield Road ( Liverpool FC ):