Qatar unmoved by 'sceptics', says top World Cup official
Qatar is no longer listening to "sceptics" and has
always been confident about hosting the World Cup, its chief organiser said on
Thursday as the tournament kick-off looms.
The tiny, gas-rich Gulf state is preparing for the biggest
event in its history as it gets ready to welcome more than one million fans for
the first winter World Cup in November and December.
"Qatar has long passed the stage of responding to
sceptics of its ability to host the World Cup", organising committee
secretary-general Hassan al-Thawadi said, according to the official Qatar News
Agency.
"From the first day, we were sure that actions on the
ground will prove to everyone Qatar's ability to host a major tournament like
the World Cup," he said in an interview.
All eight World Cup stadiums are completed but Doha's
transport network and accommodation for the huge numbers of fans are chief
among the organisational concerns. LGBTQ rights and Qatar's treatment of
migrant workers also remain in focus.
Qatar has stressed that "everyone is welcome" at
the World Cup and points to labour reforms including a minimum wage designed to
improve conditions for its army of mainly South Asian workers.
Organisers also insist there will be enough accommodation for
all fans in the country of 2.8 million.
Thawadi said Qatar already has a track record of hosting
major competitions including the 2021 Arab Cup, a dress rehearsal for this
year's tournament.
Separately, online last-minute ticket sales will start on
Tuesday and run until the final on December 18, FIFA said on its website.
Last month, organisers said 2.45 million tickets had been
sold. A total of 3,010,679 will be available, including the last-minute phase,
FIFA has said.
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