FIFA agrees to start World Cup a day earlier to give Qatar the spotlight

By Andrew Warshaw

August 12 - Qatar's World Cup start, just three months away, needs to be brought forward 24 hours to give the host country center stage. FIFA has now made the date change official

The final was scheduled to start on Monday 21 November with a four-game opening day starting with the Group A match between the Netherlands and Senegal, followed by England v Iran in Group B.

The third game would have been a second clash in Group A between Qatar and Ecuador. The Group B match between the United States and Wales would have ended the day.

But suddenly that script was torn apart, lengthening the final from 28 to 29 days, right in the middle of the European season.

You could be forgiven for wondering why FIFA seem to be making concessions for Qatar compared to previous hosts.

Not only will the finals be controversially and uniquely held in mid-winter, but with the tournament so close, FIFA's top brass have signed on to allow the Qatar team to be the star of the show. taking on Ecuador in an exclusive Sunday night slot with a global TV audience.

Let's be clear. Since the 2006 tournament in Germany, it has become traditional for the host country to play the opening match.

That's not the point. The somewhat baffling issue is why it took so long for the powers that be to recognize their mistake and only now change the whole opening day schedule, which could also have an impact on ticket holders.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino and the leaders of the six regional confederations - known collectively as the FIFA Bureau - were the people who gave the go-ahead to move the opening so Qatar could benefit from a stand-alone exhibition on November 20.

Now what will happen is that Senegal-Netherlands will start later in the originally scheduled slot of November 21.

“The 2022 FIFA World Cup will kick off with an even bigger celebration for local and international fans alike, as host country Qatar will now face Ecuador on Sunday, November 20 at 7:00 p.m. a stand-alone event", a FIFA statement explained.

"The opening match and ceremony of this year's tournament at Al Bayt Stadium has been brought forward one day following a unanimous decision by the Bureau of the FIFA Council today. As a result, the meeting between Senegal and the Netherlands has been postponed from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, November 21."

“This change continues a long-standing tradition of marking the start of the FIFA World Cup with an Opening Ceremony on the first match featuring either the hosts or the reigning champions.

"The decision follows an assessment of the competition and operational implications, as well as an extensive consultation process and agreement with key stakeholders and the host country.

“FIFA will seek to resolve any issues arising from this change on a case-by-case basis,” the statement continued regarding fans whose travel plans are affected.

But, he added tellingly, the risk to fans "is sufficiently outweighed by the value and benefits of the proposition" commercially. Surprise, surprise.

This may not be the final twist either. It's still unclear if Ecuador will even be allowed to play. Chile are not giving up on their determination to have Ecuador kicked out of the competition for fielding an ineligible player against them in the South American qualifying campaign.

It's another headache, partly on their own initiative, that the organizers and FIFA could do without in a World Cup that will be unlike any other, in many respects.

Contact the author of this story at moc.l1660400942labto1660400942ofdlr1660400942owedi1660400942sni@w1660400942ahsra1660400942w.wer1660400942dna1660400942