Gianni Infantino, the president of FIFA, voiced optimism for the success of the World Cup in Qatar, comparing it to “a youngster visiting Disneyland for the first time and seeing the attractions and the toys.”
Infantino discussed a number of aspects of the next winter competition in a speech given in Costa Rica following Spain’s victory in the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup 2022.
Infantino added that the decision to shift Qatar’s World Cup date forward by one day was made out of respect for the legacy of previous FIFA competitions.
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The history of curtain-raising hosts began in 2006, as hosting nations were entitled to play the tournament’s opening match.
The date change was supported by South American football body CONMEBOL and Qatar and Ecuador’s national football federations.
Additionally, airlines and sponsors agreed on shifting the tournament one day earlier since it provided high viewership prospects from audiences worldwide.
The country will now make its first-ever World Cup debut against the Ecuadorians on November 20 at the 60,000-capacity Al Bayt Stadium.
As Qatar partners with countries to ensure a safe tournament, Infantino emphasised that security will be “very strict.”
“Fans from all countries will stay in the same city, not just fans from the two countries playing a match one day, everyone will be there all the time. This makes the security issue even more important,” FIFA’s boss said.
Qatar, which is home to 2.8 million residents, is set to draw 1.2 million visitors worldwide.
Infantino added that everyone is welcome to celebrate the extravaganza but warned that there would be consequences for those that cause conflicts at the matches.
“All fans from all over the world are welcome to celebrate, party and watch the matches. But if anyone wants to come and fight or whatever, then of course they are not welcome and strict action will be taken, because the everyone’s safety is a priority.”
The nation is currently in the midst of its last round of World Cup preparations.
Qatar claimed that various opulent hospitality facilities, including entertainment centers, will open in time for the November event after investing an astounding $200 billion in infrastructure.
