Qatar picks baton, sets scene for 2022

Size of next World Cup to be decided

Moscow – Germany came out of its shell, South Africa exceeded expectations and Russia changed negative perceptions when they all hosted the World Cup, but just what will unfold in four years’ time when the tournament goes to Qatar is anyone’s guess.

Only one thing is certain – it will be an event like no other.

The small gulf kingdom is unlike any previous host, with little sporting tradition, a population of just over 2.5 million, has never played at the World Cup and is so hot in the midyear window for the tournament that it has been moved towards the end of the year.

But oil-rich Qatar has fabulous wealth, enough to persuade Fifa to allow them to host even though that selection process has since been clouded by allegations of bribery.

The first Arab country to host the event are planning eight new stadiums for the tournament, with one completed, two more due this year and the rest scheduled to be finished by 2021.

None is more than 35km from the centre of the capital, Doha, and all serviced by a brand new metro system.

“We are ready based on the path we have set,” said Hassan Al Thawadi, the secretarygeneral of the Qatar 2022 organising committee.

Fifa have confirmed that the tournament will be hosted from November 21 to December 18, 2022, but it remains to be seen if it will be a 32-team event or expand to 48.

“It will be a common decision taken between Fifa and Qatar and we are now studying the feasibility of expanding it to a 48-team World Cup. However, all preparations are on the basis of 32 teams,” Al Thawadi said.

Qatar will also relax laws on the consumption of alcohol.

“We are aware of the wonderful opportunity the World Cup presents to change opinions and deflect stereotypes. We will be a welcoming nation,” Thawadi said –