Post of 6 December 2022
After 13 days and 48 matches, first phase of FIFA World Cup presented a ground-breaking facts and figures. Observers from across the world said what they saw in Qatar during this major event was strange for a smaller country like Qatar.
Observers said Qatar has raised the bar for organisers and presented a wonderful image of the Arab world and Islamic countries. FIFA 2022 is the best edition in the history of the World Cup.
The claim that Qatar is “a den of homophobia” is also misleading. It is true Gay sex is illegal but so is also all sex outside marriage in Muslim countries. Fans who wear rainbow colours or OneLove band are being told to remove them before they are allowed to enter stadiums.
The first week of FIFA recorded more than 7,000 flights at Hammad International Airport in Doha. Visitors expressed their admiration of the diverse and rich culture and heritage of Qatar. At Al Bidda Park 1 million fans enjoyed FIFA Fan Festival.
Stadium attendance of 2.45 million spectators is higher than 2.17 million figures of the 2018 edition in Moscow. The biggest attendance of 88,966 people was for the match between Argentina and Mexico at Lusail Stadium and made history for FIFA World Cup as it was the highest since 1994 when Brazil played Italy in the finals at Los Angeles.
Qatar has changed bad habits associated with Football games especially targeting women. There is no catcallings, wolf whistles, or sexism of any kind. It is more women friendly and women have enjoyed without fearing for their safety.
In a first in history, women referee Stephanie Frappart and her assistants Neuza Back and Karen Diaz adjudicated the match between Germany and Costa Rica.
Sports journalist Ahmed Shawabkeh said that he found a huge gap between the negative image created by the Western media, and the ground reality here. The Western media owes an apology to Qatar.
Senior British police officer said the UK could learn from experience in Qatar and put restrictions on alcohol in football stadium to stop riots.
British PM Rishi Sunak said in a tweet that “Hats off to Qatar for hosting an incredible World Cup so far. The group stages will be remembered of the all-time greats.”
=============
Some comments on the Post
Qatar has raised bar of host now so high the west feeling inferior to mach the same. Exclusively displayed what’s middle east and Islamic countries culture at such small place with so well organized Fifa world cup. Now the game of games changed and doors opened for entire middle east now we will see ऑलंपिक at middle east soon. Next asia cup refused by China will be held at Qatar next year.
Tameem kabile ne pure middle east ki soch aur nakhshe par apni mohar laga di hai. Ab har gcc mulk isko aage lejayega.
محمد طارق علم Indeed I am witnessing this here in Qatar.. Alhamdulillah all going well much better than what was expected.
Sahil Farooqui This is really s good news for Arab World.
- Mohammed Seemab Zaman After a hundred year by spending $300 billion, Qatar did #Branding for whole Arab World for next hundred year.
