Infantino says Qatar are ready to host the world for the 'best' World Cup ever

By Andrew Warshaw

October 18 - Facing continued skepticism from Western media, FIFA President Gianni Infantino and World Cup organizers are stepping up the PR narrative, insisting to all who hear that the tournament in Qatar will be remembered for all the right reasons. .

At a Monday press conference in downtown Doha endorsing Qatar's credentials and preparation 45 days before the start of the most controversial World Cup in recent memory, organizers did their best to insist, not for the first time, that those who visit the tiny Gulf state will enjoy the experience of a lifetime.

"We've always said that Qatar will deliver the best edition of the FIFA World Cup ever - and, looking around the country today, the state-of-the-art stadiums, training grounds, subway, the wider infrastructure, everything is ready and everyone is welcome," Infantino told the conference in a video address.

The FIFA president took the opportunity to downplay concerns about alleged homophobia in the tiny Gulf state, concerns which organizers emphatically reject. “Let me repeat it clearly,” Infantino said. "Everyone is welcome regardless of origin, background, religion, gender, sexual orientation or nationality."

The World Cup, he added, "is not just about infrastructure and stadiums, it's also about experience and heritage. It's about creating memories that will last a lifetime."

Memories are one thing, what happens on the pitch after the tournament is another. But on the issue of human rights, Infantino promised, "Revolutionary reforms... are changing the lives of thousands of working people for the better."

Whether you believe it or not, there is certainly a huge appetite to attend the tournament, with an estimated 1.2 million fans drawn to Qatar's compact size, virtually no travel required between venues and the ability to see more than one match in a single day.

Ticket sales are approaching the three million mark, with the top 10 buying countries being the host nation, United States, Saudi Arabia, England, Mexico, United Arab Emirates, Argentina, France, Brazil and Germany.

“There is currently little to no availability for matches,” said FIFA World Cup operations director Colin Smith, who nevertheless indicated that more tickets would be made available. on sale shortly.

One of the most telling revelations came from Qatar World Cup Organizing Committee General Manager Yasir Al Jamal, who announced that 30,000 extra rooms were suddenly being offered to handle ticket sales last minute.

"This was designed to ensure that all ticket holders have the best chance of securing accommodation," Al Jamal said, fueling suggestions of a late-night accommodation crisis when it comes to the both availability and affordability.

While the press conference detailed a range of engaging cultural and entertainment activities outside of the matches themselves in and around Doha, for public relations purposes, there were no translation of nearly the entire Q&A session from the ground, leaving hundreds of non-Arabic speaking journalists watching a live stream unable to grasp what was being discussed.

But the overall message was clear, 12 years after the tournament was awarded to Qatar: everything is ready.

"We saw the power and strength of the World Cup as a catalyst for change in the region," said Smith. "Let's unite everyone here to celebrate what will be an incredible event."

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