December 4 – While Club World Cup focus has been on FIFA’s draw this week for the 2025 group stages, Qatari organisers have been methodically preparing for the hosting of the final stages of FIFA’s old version of the Club World Cup, renamed as the Intercontinental Cup that kicks off December 11.
Timed with the December 3 International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the Qatar 2024™ Local Organising Committee (LOC) has confirmed several accessibility features for the tournament to ensure a barrier-free user experience for disabled fans.
The two hosting stadiums – 974 and Lusail – are equipped with accessible entrances and seating for wheelchair users and fans with limited mobility. The Doha Metro network also offers wheelchair access.
Lusail Stadium will feature sensory rooms for fans with sensory access requirements, including fans with autism. These spaces allow fans to watch matches in a quieter area, equipped with assistive technology and managed by trained staff.
Audio descriptive commentary services for blind and partially sighted fans will also be available.
Rashid Al Khater, Executive Director of Operations of the Intercontinental Cup Qatar 2024 LOC, said: “Qatar has been a pioneer in its accessibility initiatives, using the hosting of major events as a platform to upgrade its national infrastructure, transportation and mass gathering venues to ensure they provide barrier-free experiences to fans of all abilities. The FIFA Intercontinental Cup will be fully accessible, and we look forward to welcoming all local and international fans to the event in what will be a memorable experience.”
The tournament has three games left to play. The first will be between Concacaf qualifiers Pachuca from Mexico, and the 2024 winners of Conmebol’s Copa Libertadores Botafogo on December 11. The match is being dubbed the FIFA Derby of the Americas.
The winner will play Egypt’s Al Ahly in what FIFA is calling the FIFA Challenger Cup Qatar 2024, on December 14. The winner of that match will progress to the Intercontinental Cup final against UEFA and Spain’s Real Madrid (2023 Champions League winners).
Stadium 974 will host the first two matches, before the final match at the iconic Lusail Stadium – marking the two-year anniversary of the World Cup Qatar 2022 final.
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