CAIRO – The small Gulf emirate of Qatar made history on Thursday, December 2, becoming the first Muslim, Arab and Middle East country to host the World Cup, the world’s greatest sporting event.
“The 2022 World Cup finals will be hosted by Qatar,” FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter announced in a televised event watched by millions of football fans around the world.
In a secret ballot in Zurich, FIFA’s 22-member Executive Committee voted in favor of the Qatari bid to stage the 2022 edition of the world’s most popular football event.
Doha became the first Muslim, Arab and Middle East country to host the games, beating Australia, Korea Republic, Japan and the US who all vied for the highly-prized hosting rights.
"The World Cup is going to new lands and I am a happy President as we speak of the development of football," said Blatters.
Qatari bid officials had made repetitive reassurances to quench fears that the desert heat of the country might pose a health risk to players and fans.
The tournament is traditionally held in June and July, when temperatures in Qatar typically exceed 48 degrees C (118 degrees F).
The gas-rich emirate promised to develop air-conditioned stadiums, training facilities and fan areas.
Qatar is also allocating $50 billion to upgrade infrastructure and $4 billion to build nine stadiums from scratch and renovate three others.
Knowing the stadiums would be of little use after the games, Doha promised to dismantle the structures and use the materials in building stadiums in other developing countries.
In a separate vote, Russia won the right to stage the World Cup 2018 finals, becoming the first East European country to host the popular games.
It was the first time FIFA had carried out a vote for two World Cup finals at the same time.
Proud
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A massive wave of joy swept the Qatari capital after the announcement. (Reuters) |
Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al-Thani, the Chairman of the Qatar bid, was near tears after the announcement.
"Thank you for believing in change and believing in expanding the game and thank you for giving Qatar a chance," he told the FIFA Executive Committee.
In its bidding presentation, Qatar asked FIFA to take a "bold gamble" by giving it the chance to host the prestigious event and taking the World Cup to the Middle East for the first time ever.
"You will be proud of us and you will be proud of the Middle East. We will not let you down. We will make you proud," said a confident Sheikh Mohammed.
A massive wave of joy swept the Qatari capital after the announcement.
Glued to giant screens at Doha’s traditional souk to follow FIFA's decision, thousands of Qataris in traditional white gowns jumped in a frenzy of happiness, waving national flags and letting off fireworks.
Car drivers joined the celebrations by sounding their horns.
Many of the foreigners staying in Qatar also joined the celebrations.
“Congratulations Qatar, I wish I would be here in 2022 so that I can attend the tournament,” an Algerian resident told Doha-based al-Jazeera news channel.
Another Arab resident said Qatar made Arabs very proud.
“I’m sure that Qatar would stage a wonderful world Cup,” one Saudi citizen told the Qatari broadcaster.
“I’m proud that it managed to bring the World Cup to the Arab and Muslim world.”
