As the 2022 FIFA World Cup is inching towards the end with hosting of the final between Argentina and France tomorrow, the whole world is praising Qatar’s organisation of a fantastic edition of mega sporting event.
From fans to foreign journalists, visiting dignitaries to football players and FIFA officials, all have consensus that Qatar hosted the best ever edition of World Cup and proved all criticism and skepticism by some Western media outlets completely wrong.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has also hailed the World Cup in Qatar as the best ever edition of the global tournament. “For me the World Cup has been a real incredible success on all fronts. The main one - bringing people together, meeting the Arab world, is very important for the future of all of us. But also when it comes to the matches. It has been the best World Cup ever,” Infantino told a press conference yesterday.
Infantino also highlighted the “joyful atmosphere”at Qatar 2022 that saw packed stadiums. “We had 3.27 million spectators. We played 62 matches without incidents, with a very joyful atmosphere. Two matches to go. I say to everyone (involved in the tournament) who is receiving praise - focus until the end.”
Earlier on Thursday FIFA President thanked the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 volunteers, describing them as the “heart and soul” of the tournament. “You are the best volunteers ever for the best World Cup ever, thank you very much from the bottom of my heart, from all of those who love football, to all of you. You are fantastic,” said the FIFA President.
FIFA also said that FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 has been a game changer in terms of organizing a sustainable tournament. Many innovations will have a lasting influence on the way similar events are planned and delivered in the future.
FIFA said in a report that a special and comprehensive program for energy and water management were employed in the stadiums for this edition of the World Cup, which adopts efficient designs, constructions and operations.
All stadiums are 30% more energy efficient and consume less water than international benchmarks, and recycled water vapor from cooling systems in stadiums is used to irrigate the surrounding stadium landscape.
Meanwhile accessibility and inclusivity have also been key principles of delivering the tournament. They were embedded across different strategies and can be seen at all eight stadiums - including infrastructure, accessible parking, five types of accessible seating, accessible toilets and sensory rooms.
