Qatar "credible candidates" to host 2022 World Cup it is claimed

By Andrew Warshaw in Doha

November 15 – The head of Qatar’s 2022 World Cup bid has launched a passionate defence of his country’s campaign as the Gulf state readies itself for a verdict that could decide its fate two weeks before schedule.

Speaking at the inaugural Aspire4Sport conference in Doha, bid chief executive Hassan Al Thawadi (pictured) said Qatar was “on the verge of making history” and urged FIFA to grab the chance to bring lasting benefit to the entire region.

Rightly or wrongly, Qatar’s bid has come under intense scrutiny in recent weeks following unsubstantiated reports of vote trading with Spain-Portugal, who are targeting the 2018 tournament.

As many as seven FIFA votes are understood to be at stake and FIFA’s Ethics Committee are set to rule Wednesday (November 17) whether the two bidding nations have a case to answer and should be sanctioned, or whether there is no firm evidence against them.

The decision will almost certainly not be made public until Thursday (November 18) and although Qatar has given no official response to the collusion claims for fear of being further dragged into the debate, privately officials are furious at suggestions of impropriety.

In a special address to the four-day all-sport conference in his homeland – the first of its kind in the Middle East – Al Thawadi admitted it was a tense time for everyone, with the all-important vote on December 2.

“We are only weeks from FIFA’s momentous decision,” said Al Thawadi.

“Once a dark horse, we are now credible contenders.

“FIFA has a once in a lifetime opportunity to change the hearts and minds of people about the Middle East.”

Al Thawadi believes the compact concept should work in Qatar’s favour, not against it, as it bids to overcome the challenges of Australia, Japan, Korea and favourites the United States.

He also rejects both the heat element and the idea that Qatar lacks pedigree and passion.

“Our enthusiasm for the sport rivals any other country on the planet,” he said.

“The weather posed many concerns but we acknowledged the issue and we continue to overcome this.

“The benefits of our bid have won over many sceptics.”

But certainly not all those who matter.

Although Qatar has taken great pains to downplay the region’s stifling heat problems by promoting its revolutionary cooling techniques, many of FIFA’s voting members believe it will ultimately prove the Gulf state’s downfall.

Qatar has spared no expense in promoting their bid but Al Thawadi said it wasn’t all about money.

“We have met and in many cases exceeded FIFA’s requirements,” he said.

It remains to be seen whether the idea of millions of fans converging on such a small territory for four weeks in mid-summer will prove too great a risk. Al Thawadi thinks not.

“We are offering the players a stress-free World Cup by eliminating the hassles and time required” to get to new venues, he said.

“This will enable them to focus on training and their football.”

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