FIFA experts assess the progress of work at four proposed World Cup stadiums

The 2022 FIFA World Cup may still be almost four years away, but work on the stadiums hosting the competitions are going on full steam ahead.

Representatives from football’s world governing body FIFA and the local organisers recently visited four of the proposed 2022 World Cup stadiums to assess its progress, and further familiarise themselves with the venues, said a report in FIFA’s official website.

The group, which comprised local experts from Qatar and FIFA staff, visited Al Wakrah Stadium, Khalifa International Stadium, Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor and the Al Rayyan Stadium.

The group assessed various stadium facilities, including competition areas, spaces for ticketing, marketing, media, broadcasting, IT, hospitality, protocol, security and health, and safety.

The redevelopment of the Khalifa International Stadium was completed in 2017, and it will be used in the organisation of the 2019 IAAF World Athletics Championships.

Al Wakrah Stadium, Al Bayt Stadium and Al Rayyan Stadium are all in the final stages of construction, reported Gulf Times.

Following health and safety inductions at each venue, participants were split into smaller groups to assess the areas relevant to their expertise. During debrief sessions, each group reported on their findings and outlined any areas which required resolutions.

“The visits are the first step to ensuring all our stadiums meet FIFA requirements. We remain committed to delivering and testing all our stadiums well ahead of the big kick-off in November 2022 to ensure an optimum experience for fans, players, the media and sponsors, among others,”  said Nasser Al Khater, CEO of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 joint venture.

“The visits mark another important step towards the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The team had a very productive week, visiting four of the eight proposed stadiums for 2022. As the stadiums take shape and near completion, we’re now starting to look at operational aspects,” said Colin Smith, Managing Director of the joint venture and FIFA's Chief Tournament and Events Officer.

“This was the first of a range of organised stadium visits we’ll be undertaking to ensure the stadiums are all operationally ready to host World Cup matches long before Qatar 2022 kicks off,” he added.

More such visits will be undertaken to Qatar’s World Cup venues at regular intervals in the coming days.

--

Make sure to check out our social media to keep track of the latest content.

Instagram - @qatarliving

Twitter - @qatarliving

Facebook - Qatar Living

Picture credit: FIFA