With the completion of the draw for the Brazil 2014 World Cup, attention is now turning towards the controversial Qatar 2022 World Cup. Hassan Al-Thawadi, the secretary general of the event, used the Doha Goals Forum to address criticisms and reassure skeptics about the integrity of their application.
Despite facing numerous criticisms, especially regarding the working conditions of workers on stadium construction sites, Al-Thawadi expressed confidence in the progress of stadium construction and compliance with workers’ conditions. The Guardian reported 44 worker deaths during the summer on the construction sites for the 2022 World Cup.
The timing of the World Cup, initially scheduled for the summer where temperatures can reach 50 degrees Celsius, remains uncertain. Sepp Blatter, the president of FIFA, suggested a move to the winter months, specifically in November and December 2021. Al-Thawadi acknowledged the discussions but emphasized their initial application for a summer event, highlighting the potential economic and technological legacy tied to hosting the World Cup in the summer.
Despite the challenges, Al-Thawadi promised an exceptional World Cup and an opportunity to showcase the kindness, hospitality, and sense of humor of the Middle East. He sees it as a chance for the world to come together and dispel misconceptions about the region, stating that it’s also an opportunity to show the world who they are.
