Doha (Qatar), Dec 19 (UiTV/IANS) – Two top Qatari officials — who were part of the organising committee of the 2022 FIFA World Cup — have once again reiterated that the hosting nation has successfully fulfilled most of the promises made ahead of the football showpiece event and thrilled at its successful completion.
In the thrilling final on Sunday night, Argentina beat France 4-2 in the penalty shoot after sharing three goals apiece at the end of the extra time play and two-all at the end of the 90 minutes of play.
“The 22nd edition of the FIFA World Cup showcased the impressive work Qatar did in preparation for the event. The country managed to gather the whole world, with its different cultures and beliefs, around the competition and delivered a message of peace through sports,” Al Thawadi said after curtains came down on the nearly one-month tournament.
“This edition of the tournament is the best-ever in terms of fans’ attendance both in and out of the stadiums. The World Cup highlighted the region’s image in a positive way and once again proved Qatar’s immense capability in making any sporting event a success,” he said.
“I also thank the huge support provided to us by Qatari officials in terms of safety, security, and healthcare, which helped make this tournament an exceptional one. The fans who visited the country were able to access the stadiums and fan zones without any problems and everything worked really well,” he added.
“We promised to deliver amazing and we have delivered amazing. This is the best World Cup so far,” Nasser Al Khater, CEO, Qatar 2022.
Qatar passes the baton to 2026 FIFA World Cup hosts
President of Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani handed over the hosting mantle of the FIFA World Cup 2026 to Canadian Minister of Transport Omar Alghabra, President of the Mexican Football Federation Yon de Luisa Plazas, and the Representative of the United Nations Ambassador, Linda Thomas-Greenfield in the presence of FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
The official handover ceremony took place after the final match of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 at the Lusail Stadium on Sunday night.
On this occasion, Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani expressed his happiness for the success of the State of Qatar in organising an exceptional edition of the World Cup for the first time in the Middle East.
“Qatar had organised an exceptional edition of the World Cup for the first time in the Middle East. I wish Canada, Mexico and the US success in organising the 2026 event,” Sheikh Joaan said.
He also affirmed Qatar’s readiness to present its expertise and experience in hosting the FIFA World Cup, especially in terms of equipment to enhance the role of sport in bringing cultures closer and uniting the world.
The 2026 edition will see an expanded field of 48 teams and will return to its usual summer window, running June 8-July 3.
Toronto and Vancouver are among 16 cities across North America that will host games. In the US, games will be played in Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Kansas City, Dallas, Atlanta, Houston, Boston, Philadelphia, Miami, and New York/New Jersey.
Mexico City, Monterrey and Guadalajara will host the matches in Mexico.
Emir of Qatar placing a robe on Messi at the presentation
The Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani placing a black and gold bisht — a traditional item of clothing worn in the region for special events and celebrations — on the Argentina captain Messi before the 35-year-old was handed the FIFA World Cup trophy has created quite a storm of anger.
The World Cup trophy presentation moment has been the most trending topic with social media users expressing the pride and joy they felt seeing the moment.
Messi allowed the Emir to place the robe around his shoulders before taking the trophy from FIFA president Gianni Infantino
In his new attire, which covered his national pale blue and white jersey, Messi danced towards his teammates before lifting the trophy above his head, after beating France 4-3 via penalties on Sunday. With both teams tied three-all at the end of the extra time, the tie-breaker system was applied.
BBC presenter Lineker felt the decision spoiled what should have been a “magic moment”.
The former England striker said: “This is a magic moment. It seems a shame in a way that they’ve covered up Messi in his Argentina shirt.”
Ex-Argentina defender Zabaleta agreed, saying on BBC One: “Just why? No reason to do that.”
According to content creator Tallie Dar, who wrote on Twitter: “Messi’s black cloak is called a ‘Bisht’. Arabian warriors wore it after a victory.
“It’s also worn by the royal family. The king of Qatar honoured Messi as a sign of respect. Signifying Messi as a warrior, who won for his country Argentina.”
Dar added: “Messi is being honoured as royalty in his Argentinian shirt, as the King of Football.”
The Emir, Sheikh Tamim, wrote on Twitter: “I congratulate the Argentine national team for winning the Qatar World Cup 2022, and the French national team… and I thank all the teams for their wonderful play, and the fans who enthusiastically encouraged them.
“In conclusion, we have fulfilled our promise to organise an exceptional championship from the Arab countries, which provided an opportunity for the peoples of the world to learn about the richness of our culture and the originality of our values.”
Dr Mustafa Baig, a lecturer in Islamic Studies at the University of Exeter, while speaking to DPA said that the bisht is a formal robe worn by royalty, dignitaries, grooms on their wedding day, and graduates at graduation ceremonies.
“So only a select few people would actually wear the bisht.
“They basically honoured him by putting it over his shoulders. It’s like a mark of honour, and just kind of a cultural welcoming and a cultural acceptance.”
“And this is a top occasion. I mean, there’s probably no bigger occasion, so they put it on him as a mark of honour and an embrace by Messi of the local culture and a pretty cool thing and smart thinking,” Baig said.
Messi didn’t wear the item of clothing for long, taking it off shortly after the trophy presentation and celebrating with his teammates in Argentina’s distinctive jersey.
Amid the criticism, Hassan Al Thawadi, Secretary General of Qatar’s Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC), an organisation charged with organising the World Cup, explained some facts about the bisht.
“It is a dress for an official occasion and worn for celebrations. This was a celebration of Messi,” Al Thawadi told BBC Sport.
“The World Cup had the opportunity to showcase to the world our Arab and Muslim culture. This was not about Qatar; it was a regional celebration.
“People from different walks of life were able to come, experience what was happening here and get to understand that we may not see eye to eye on everything, but we can still celebrate together.”
