QNA
HE President of the Qatar Football Association (QFA) Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al-Thani said that Qatari stadiums have been a pioneer in hosting major football matches during the pandemic as the 49th HH the Amir Cup final was held in full capacity audience presence.
HE QFA President said, "Qatar has been a pioneer in hosting major football matches during the pandemic. The inauguration of Al Thumama marks yet another milestone on the road to 2022 and the first FIFA World Cup in the Middle East and Arab world, while providing another opportunity to welcome fans back to the stands as we continue to overcome COVID-19."
"I would like to express sincere thanks and appreciation to everyone in the medical sector for their outstanding efforts over the past two seasons. With their support, we have been able to host a capacity crowd for this evening's final and send a strong message to the world that we are overcoming this pandemic."
HE QFA President congratulated the Al Sadd board of directors, technical and administrative staff, players and fans for winning the 49th Amir Cup.
Nasser Al Khater, CEO, FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 LLC, described Al Thumama's inauguration as another important step on the road to 2022.
"The milestones are coming thick and fast as we get ever closer to the World Cup," said Al Khater. "The inauguration of Al Thumama is another important step as we ramp up preparations for the biggest sporting event ever to be held in our country and region. We look forward to inaugurating Al Bayt and Ras Abu Aboud before the end of the year, with our eighth and final stadium, Lusail, set to be launched in 2022."
Al Khater said many important lessons were learned during the lead-up to Al Thumama's inauguration.
"Every major match we organise helps us to fine-tune our plans for 2022," said Al Khater. "The FIFA Arab Cup - involving 16 national teams from across the region - is yet another golden opportunity to test all our functional areas. In relation to the Amir Cup specifically, we will compile a vast number of lessons learned in the coming days and weeks, particularly in relation to ticketing, Fan ID, travel, health and safety, and others. Every event we organise between now and the World Cup is an opportunity to test our readiness and confirm our plans for the tournament."