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By Duncan Mackay in Johannesburg
November 28 – Qatar were the first of the countries bidding for the 2018 or 2022 World Cup to arrive here today to attend Soccerex, the global football conference.
They will soon be joined by several other countries, including England, the United States and the joint bid from Belgium and Holland, who are using the five-day event to promote their bids internationally.
Now in its 14th year, Soccerex 2009, between 28 November and 2 December in Gauteng Province, is the leading business convention for the global football community.
Football’s most powerful figures are in attendance, including FIFA President Sepp Blatter and a number of FIFA Executive Committee members, who will make the decision about which countries will host the 2018 and 2022 World Cups at a meeting on December 2, 2010.
Hassan Abdulla Al Thawadi, the chief executive of Qatar 2022, said: “Soccerex is a wonderful opportunity for the Qatar 2022 Bid Committee to present our vision and plans to the people who are crucial in the decision-making process.
“I’m very much looking forward to discussing our bid with the most important people in the game today – and learning from their views and feedback.
“It is also significant that the event is being held in South Africa.
“We are all very much looking forward to being present at the first World Cup to be held on the African continent next year.
“We welcome the spread of the world’s favourite tournament to new and exciting markets across the globe.
“The reason that Qatar is bidding to host this tournament in 2022 is that we believe that our region also deserves an historic opportunity to enchant the world.”
Other keynote speakers at Soccerex include Danny Jordaan, the chief executive of South Africa 2010, Sven-Goran Eriksson, the former England Manager and current Director of Football at Notts County, and guests include World Cup Legends Sir Geoff Hurst, Eusebio, Carlos Alberto, Ossie Ardiles and Roger Milla.
This year’s Soccerex consists of a two-day football festival and a three-day conference and exhibition, bringing together thousands of football industry executives for five days of networking, socialising and learning.
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