Qatar picked to host..risky?
World Cups go to risky options as Russia, Qatar picked to host
Soccer’s governing body chose the risky options to host the World Cup in 2018 and 2022, picking Russia and Qatar as it tries to expand the sport in emerging markets.
...“The balance of power is shifting, and FIFA wants to be on the right side of history,” said Stefan Szymanski, a professor at Cass Business School in London. “When FIFA gives the World Cup to young, emerging markets, much of the world thinks that sounds like a good idea.”
..Qatar, projected by the International Monetary Fund to have the world’s fastest growing economy this year, plans to build nine stadiums and refurbish three others and construct a rail and metro network for the tournament.
Qatar bid chairman Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al-Thani said: “I think FIFA took that bold step forward to say we need to expand the game we need to include people that have not been included in the global football family before.”
Holder of the world’s third largest gas reserves, Qatar is using petroleum wealth to transform itself into a sports and cultural capital with plans to invest $100 billion on infrastructure projects in the next four years, Finance Minister Yousef Hussain Kamal said in June.
Raghavan Seetharaman, CEO of Doha Bank, said: “It should give the economy not less than $150 billion” in revenue over the next 12 years. “This will change the dynamics of the business model here.”
Qatar, which has never played in a World Cup, plans to spend $4 billion on the stadium construction and refurbishment program. Each facility will be designed with a solar powered air conditioning system.
The country also plans to build a rail and metro network, costing more than $25 billion, in Doha and extending to cities outside the capital.
Al Hammadi, who works as a financial professional in Qatar said: “It’s hard to imagine that 30 years ago, this country was nothing but a big patch of sand.” It’s a final pat on the back from the world community that we have accomplished a lot. This is not just for Qatar but for the Middle East as a whole.”
http://www.arabianbusiness.com/world-cups-go-risky-options-as-russia-qat...
what do you think?
desired is that an offer?
in sales-talking, anything is possible!
sour-graping is just normal I guess for those who did not win.
But who would know if no one gives it a try? there's always a first time for everything...giving a chance can prove a difference.
and ya act like ya paid it frm ya pocket.
Dream on. There was Asian games held, were expats cared? .. oh yes by a 350% hike in rents and crazy inflation.
lol nicaq.. nw ya're talking.
fyi... the mockup of those stadiums wid cooling technology ws made in 30days. whch ws practically impossible. here in qatar we do accept challenges.
what's amazing in this bid, is there was a family behind it.
The mother, the father & the sons of this nation went there & presented that Qatar can deliver....and granting the time frame..I am optimistic they can.
Congrats to Qatar delegations...we hope the expats will see positive results from this event.
There are going to be a lot of sour grapes.