Exceptional football fiesta proves Qatar’s critics wrong
The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 has clearly raised excitement all over the world.
The official figures released by FIFA after the first round of FIFA World Cup group stage matches were completed showed that the average overall match attendance in stadiums across Qatar stands at an impressive 94% compared to stadium capacities for the event.
With all 32 nations having taken to the field – and more than 3mn tickets sold for the tournament – the strong attendance figures also follow the recent news that the preliminary comparable television viewing figures are up in nations across the world from the previous FIFA World Cup edition.
According to FIFA, the multinational and multi-cultural festival of football is screening every FIFA World Cup game on giant screens, as well as providing free entertainment between games with some of the top names from music scenes around the world – and has been enjoyed by fans from every corner of the globe.
FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 CEO Nasser al-Khater said that in the first week of the tournament the organisers sensed the extent of satisfaction and positive interaction from match-attending fans, whether citizens, residents, or foreigners.
While speaking to QNA, al-Khater praised the festive atmosphere that Qatar is experiencing during its hosting of the World Cup.
The large fan attendance at the stadiums during the matches held so far is a clear testimony to the huge success of the tournament, al-Khater said and noted that across the country, especially in tourist areas like Souq Waqif, Msheireb, Corniche, Katara, and Lusail, everyone is living an enjoyable experience, describing the World Cup atmosphere as vibrant and full of excitement.
In addition to the ease of mobility, which is seen as a positive indicator during this World Cup edition – as there are no traffic congestions – as well as the smooth entry/ exit at stadiums, positive indicators are seen from an organisational point of view.
Industry analysts say the 29-day football fiesta that began on November 20 – the first such event to be held in the Arab region – is set to break all viewership records as at least 5bn people from all across the globe are expected to be glued to their television sets and the digital media platforms to follow the greatest sporting spectacle on earth.
Certain sceptics abroad, particularly in the west, continue to question Qatar’s ability to hold such a huge global event in a short period of 29 days.
Some others continue to be indulged in a malicious and baseless campaign against Qatar with ulterior motives, particularly in the context of the country hosting the World Cup.
Qatar has always maintained its position that this tournament is for all and every genuine fan is welcome to our country. An impartial look at Qatar’s stadiums, fan zones and other touristic and cultural attractions more than proves this point.
Qatar’s response to the sceptics will be on the ground, and indeed it has come certainly through the exceptional hosting of the football fiesta, which has been acclaimed by every sport lover around the world!
Qatar’s response to the sceptics will be on the ground, and indeed it has come certainly through the exceptional hosting of the football fiesta, which has been acclaimed by every sport lover around the world!