By Andrew Warshaw in Zurich
May 14 – Qatar officials bidding for the 2022 World Cup once again insisted today that the heat factor would not be a problem if they are given the green light to stage the tournament.
The Middle East country has developed a radical air-cooling technique which they claim would make the tournament far more palatable in the intense heat of the summer.
Constant scepticism over Qatar’s ability to host the tournament has done little to dampen enthusiasm among those running the bid even though Australia is emerging as the most likely candidate for 2022 along with the United States.
“We believe, as representatives of the Middle East and the Arab world, that hosting the World Cup will have the power to create bridges between East and West,” said Hassan al Thawadi, the bid’s chief executive.
“The Middle East is ready.”
Much of the scepticism over Qatar is staging the tournament in such a problematic part of the world.
“Why is it so unrealistic?” said al Thawadi.
“There is still a misunderstanding about the Middle East.
“Qatar is one of the safest countries in the world.
“Fans won’t have to worry about changing accommodation, with no more than an hour between venues.”
Bid President Sheikh Hamed bin Khalifa al Thani said Qatar would meet all the FIFA requirements - and more.
“We have much more to reveal over the coming few months building up to the vote in December,” he said.
“We’ve had immense support from national associations across the Middle East.”
To those still worried about the heat problem, he replied: “There were perceptions about South Africa this summer which have been broken and we will do the same.
“People always say there are issues about the weather but, believe it or not, we can actually control the weather – whether in stadiums or at training grounds.
“We have a perfect bid that allows the tournament in June and July.”
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