Hassan al-ThawadiGETTY IMAGES
Germany "came out of its shell," South Africa "exceeded expectations" and Russia "changed negative perceptions" when they all hosted the World Cup, according to Mark Gleeson of REUTERS. But "just what will unfold in four years’ time when the tournament goes to Qatar is anyone’s guess." There is "only one certainty -- it will be an event like no other." The small gulf kingdom, which stretches only 180km from one end to the other, "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 customary mid-year window for the tournament" that it has moved toward the end of the year. But what "oil-rich Qatar does have is fabulous wealth." The first Arab country to host the event is planning eight new stadiums for the tournament, with one completed, two more due this year and "the rest scheduled to be finished" by '21. None is more than 35km from the center of the capital, Doha, and all are serviced by a "brand new metro system." Qatar 2022 Organizing Committee Secretary-General Hassan al-Thawadi said, "We are ready based on the path we have set." Qatar will "relax laws on the consumption of alcohol, planning areas for visiting fans where alcohol can be consumed to ensure they replicate the party atmosphere of past tournaments." Al-Thawadi said, "We are well aware of the wonderful opportunity the World Cup presents to change opinions and deflect stereotypes. We will be a welcoming nation" (REUTERS, 7/15).
