•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
2018 World Cup - Qatar
The
22nd FIFA World Cup will be held in Qatar in 2022. The Qatar bid beat
off competition from the USA, Australia, South Korea and Japan. The
decision is a bizarre one to say the least. Qatar has no football
heritage, no football infrastructure, and temperatures will hit 50
Celsius regularly during the summer months when World Cup matches will
be played.
FIFA have been at pains to alleviate fans and media concerns about the ability of Qatar to host the tournament. Solar power will be harnessed to cool stadiums to mitigate the extreme temperatures. It was thought that the 2022 World Cup could be played during winter to ease the weather concerns, however, FIFA president Sepp Blatter has since confirmed that the tournament will be played, as usual, during the northern hemisphere summer months.
Human rights groups have expressed concerns over the country's attitude towards homosexuality. Sepp Blatter appeared to make light of the issue during a FIFA press conference following the announcement of Qatar's successful bid, further antagonising the gay community. Dutch politicians have suggested that the Dutch national team should play in pink if they qualify in way of protest at the attitude towards homosexuality in the Arab world.
Contrary to popular belief, alcohol is not illegal in Qatar. Ex-pats can consume alcohol in certain places and alcohol can be consumed as long as the individual has the appropriate licence. Fan fests are proposed in Qatar where alcohol will be legally available.
Although Qatar do not recognise the state of Israel, should the blues and whites qualify, they will be allowed to take part.
Qualification for the 2022 World Cup will get underway sometime in 2019, although qualifying details have yet to be finalised or announced. Qatar will qualify automatically as hosts. Qatar will also host the 2021 Confederations Cup.
It is unclear at this stage whether Qatar will host all 2022 World Cup matches. Some games may be switched to neighbouring countries although this proposition is likely to be rejected. As of now, 7 host cities have been proposed with 12 stadiums hosting matches. Capital Doha, Al Rayyan, Umm Salal, Al Wakrah, Ash Shamal, Al Khor and Lusail have been put forward as potential host cities.
Copyright 2011 Worldcuptimetable.co.uk. All rights reserved.