Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Russian President Vladimir Putin during the hand-over ceremony at the Kremlin in Moscow, yesterday.
DOHA: Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani officially received the mantle of hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar from President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin, yesterday in the presence of President of International Federation of Football Associations (FIFA) Gianni Infantino, in a ceremony which was held in the Kremlin Palace yesterday, QNA reported.
The Amir extended congratulations to the Russian President and the Russian people for the success of organising the 2018 FIFA World Cup. On behalf of himself and all lovers of football and sports around the world, the Amir congratulated Russia for the great success and looked forward to welcome everyone to 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar.
The Amir also thanked the friends in Russia, especially the organising committee of 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia for their cooperation with their counterparts, the organising committee of 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar, confirming that they have benefited and looked forward to cooperating in organising 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar.
Father Amir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al Thani and H H Sheikha Moza bint Nasser with a replica of the World Cup trophy after the announcement that Qatar will be the host nation for the FIFA World Cup 2022, in Zurich in this December 2, 2010, photo.
The Amir thanked President of FIFA Gianni Infantino for all his exerted efforts and looked forward to work together to organise 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar. H H the Amir stressed the importance of 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar to all Arabs as mentioned previously in 2010 and welcomed the world to attend 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar.
He confirmed the success of the tournament in Qatar and stressed his great trust in the Arab youth and friends who will be present in its organisation.
#الوعد٢٠٢٢
— تميم بن حمد (@TamimBinHamad) July 15, 2018
من اليوم ننطلق جميعا في قطر والفيفا والمجتمع الرياضي عبر العالم في مرحلة جديدة من التحضير والتعاون المشترك لكي يكون مونديال قطر ٢٠٢٢ حدثا رياضيا استثنائيا بإذن الله pic.twitter.com/PTcHb7p1Ph
At the opening of the ceremony, the Russian President expressed his pride in all the efforts made in organising 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia, confirming his certainty that Qatar will succeed in organising a similar high class world cup.
He added: “We are, of course, ready to share the experience we acquired in holding the World Cup this year,” confirming that Russia will do its best to promote sports and its role in uniting people and countries.
On his part, Gianni Infantino expressed his content with the ceremony saying: “It’s so important that we can be here today in the iconic place of the Kremlin to pass the World Cup hosting rights from the organiser of the 2018 World Cup to the organiser of the 2022 World Cup”. He added this passion, emotion, love, family and unity were sentiments felt in 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia and will be transferred to Qatar in 2022.
The FIFA President said 2022 edition of the World Cup will leave a positive and vital impact as it has in the 2018 edition.
Congratulations to Russia on a successful World Cup. In line with HH the Amir's directives & QNV2030,#Qatar will continue with its development & 2022 World Cup projects.We will overcome all challenges to organise an extraordinary tournament that exceeds expectations.#Seeyouin2022 pic.twitter.com/PUWA3CwCvH
— عبدالله بن ناصر بن خليفة آل ثاني (@ANK_AlThani) July 15, 2018
The handing over ceremony was attended by a number of Their Excellencies members of the delegation accompanying H H the Amir. From the Russian side, the ceremony was attended by a number of ministers and senior officials.
Meanwhile, H H the Amir attended the 2018 World Cup final between France and Croatia in the presence of President of the Russian Federation and a number of dignitaries, Presidents, heads of governments and guests of the tournament.
France beat Croatia 4-2 in the World Cup final match at Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium yesterday.
