Doha (AP) – FIFA President Gianni Infantino has again announced the upcoming World Cup 2022 in Qatar “as the best of all time”.
The final round (November 21 to December 18) will be “the biggest show on earth,” said the Swiss on Friday shortly before the draw for the preliminary round groups. “The world will be united in Qatar.” The head of state of the emirate, Sheikh Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, said: “We will have an exceptional World Cup. I hope you will enjoy this tournament and the atmosphere it brings and see how important the sport is for all of us.”
As at the previous congress on Thursday, Infantino also addressed the difficult world situation without directly mentioning Russia’s attack on Ukraine. “The world is divided, there are many arguments,” said the FIFA President. “That’s why it’s so important to bring people back together. The World Cup is a good opportunity for that. That’s why I would like to beg all political decision-makers: please, please stop the war, try to reach out to each other and stand up for peace. I beg you at.”
The Emir emphasized: “It is important that we as people on this earth approach each other.” The sheikh wished all participants “good luck”.