By Andrew Warshaw, Chief Correspondent
January 14 – In a move that seems likely raise eyebrows among its critics, Qatar appears to have used its financial muscle to stage a friendly between world and European champions Spain and South American champions Uruguay next month.
The February 6 fixture was originally due to take place in Portugal but according to reports in both Spain and Uruguay, Qatar has paid Spain €3 million to relocate the game to the Khalifa stadium.
Ever since winning the race to stage the 2022 World Cup, the oil and gas-rich Gulf state has been aggressively raising its profile in a bid to promote its credentials and showcase its impressive facilities. A series of high-profile prestige friendlies in the capital, Doha, have included Brazil-England in 2009, Argentina- Brazil in 2010 and Egypt-Brazil in 2011.
Unconfirmed reports said FIFA were initially uncomfortable about the latest arrangement since Qatar face Malaysia on the same day in the same stadium but that football’s governing body finally gave permission.
The Qatar Football Association made no mention of the switch of venue on their website, merely saying the country was “excited to officially announce” that Doha will play host to the game and
providing extensive background on the two teams.
In a statement, Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Bin Ahmad Al Thani, President of the Qatar Football Association, said: “We are extremely eager to host the champions of Europe and South America for what promises to be an intriguing battle.”
“2013 is already shaping up to be another important year for football for fans here in Doha with the successful resumption of January’s training camps at Aspire – this year with Paris Saint-Germain, FC Bayern Munich and FC Schalke 04 – and now an enthralling spectacle between Spain and Uruguay to look forward to.”
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