Alkass Digital
The head coach and goalkeeper of SE Palmeiras have praised Qatar’s stringent health and safety protocols ahead of their third-place play-off against Al Ahly SC in the FIFA Club World Cup™.
The Brazilian side are aiming to sign-off with a win in the competition after losing to CONCACAF Champions League winners Tigres UANL in the semi-finals. They will face Al Ahly at Education City Stadium tomorrow (kick-off 18:00 local time) before the final between Tigres UANL and FC Bayern München takes place at the same venue straight afterwards (kick-off 21:00 local time).
Ahead of the match, head coach Abel Ferreira and goalkeeper Weverton Pereira da Silva were quizzed on Qatar’s COVID-19 protocols – which have been mandated by Qatar and FIFA in order to safely host global football’s premier tournament.
Players and officials have undergone mandatory COVID-19 testing on arrival in Qatar and prior to every match, while all tournament venues have been routinely deep-cleaned. Tournament capacities have been limited, with all fans required to return a negative COVID-19 test, show evidence of receiving the vaccine or prove they contracted and recovered from the virus in recent months.
Ferreira said: “I would like to congratulate Qatar – they have provided all the facilities and conditions for the teams to perform. You have to follow the rules and use your accreditation everywhere here. Qatar is very organised and this tournament has been delivered in a clean and safe way.”
Weverton added: “We have felt very safe here. We’re in the midst of a pandemic but ever since we arrived in Qatar we have felt safe – whether it’s at the training facilities or in the hotel. People are being tested all the time and it makes us feel safe and relaxed. I would like to congratulate everyone for the organisation.”