DOHA: FIFA President Sepp Blatter yesterday ruled out any possibility of co-hosting the 2022 World Cup, saying the governing body does not favour the idea of two or more countries sharing matches.
News reports over the week hinted at the UAE and Iran showing ‘interest’ in sharing matches of the 2022 World Cup to be held in Qatar.
“The decision of the FIFA is to play in one country and that will be in Qatar,” Blatter said at a press conference attended by Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Thani, Chairman of the Qatar 2022 Supreme Committee.
“I just want to tell you that when the 2002 edition was staged in Korea and Japan, FIFA decided then not to go for co-hosts (in future),” Blatter added.
“For the 2018 World Cup we had joint bids. Spain and Portugal and Netherlands and Belgium wanted to bid as co-hosts. This was dismissed by the FIFA Executive Committee in December 2010,” Blatter explained.
The FIFA chief was quick to dispel the notion that the World Cup may be moved out of Qatar.
“Let me reiterate that the 2022 World Cup will be held in Qatar. This was decided by the FIFA Executive Committee (in December 2010). It will be organised by Qatar. The decision is not reversible,” Blatter said.
The FIFA chief was quick to add that Qatar would surprise football world in 2022.
“This is not my first visit. I have seen the presentations. I can tell you that Qatar is on a really, really good track,” Blatter said.
“We (FIFA) were shown a great presentation (of their plans). They are going forward. I can say you are on the right track,” he added.
Sheikh Mohammed said Qatar will rise to the challenge of delivering a memorable World Cup.
“Of course taking on the challenge of a World Cup is a test for any host nation. Every country has had its case. In 1994 when they said that the United States has no football industry or in South Africa (2010) where they said there was a lot of crime rate in the country,” Sheikh Mohammed said.
He added: “Such stories come about before a host nation takes centre stage to host a World Cup. We are happy to have taken that spotlight nine years earlier than most but either way we embrace it fully and hopefully we can make about the necessary changes.”
The Peninsula
