POBNEWS24, Dhaka, Nov 21, 2022 : Rows of expensive yachts and luxury yachts line the shores of the Persian Gulf. Arab tycoons have nothing new to say about private yachts. However, the significance of this crowd in the Doha part of the sea is different. The guests of the Qatar World Cup, which kicked off with a grand opening last night, are keeping the luxury yachts at anchor busy.
During the 2007 Cricket World Cup, tourists were also offered overnight stays on beaches in the Caribbean. But no other sporting event in history compares with Qatar. At least in luxury. The row of yachts is just a sample. Big events like the Olympics don’t have a history of spending $200 billion. Let’s give an example to understand the gap. Brazil spent two billion dollars on hosting the 2016 Olympics. Qatar’s figure is bound to surprise.
The construction of new stadiums, infrastructure and eye-catching entertainment facilities for football tourists are only possible for Qatar, one of the richest countries in the world. The World Cup was inaugurated last night. However, Doha has given the dress rehearsal of the opening ceremony for two days in lighting and lighting! A couple flying from Spain was impressed by it. The excited Spanish couple said in front of Aljazeera TV channel that the picture of Qatar that they had drawn in their imagination has nothing to do with reality. The locals of glittering Doha are extremely friendly. Despite being strangers, the locals exchanged skills with the foreign guests. The couple, who have witnessed four World Cups, said that this hospitality will not be found in any European country.
However, the anti-Qatar in the European press does not stop. Many people are very unhappy with the temporary accommodation arranged by the Qatar organizing committee for foreigners who came to watch the game. Construction work was going on in those residences even the day before yesterday. Even around the fan zone there was work going on.
However, the crowd towards Al Bayt Stadium did not show any sign of trouble since yesterday evening. Rather, the fans of different countries have mixed in the estuary of football wearing different colors of football. The host Qatar will face Ecuador in the opening match. The presence of supporters of both teams was more in the gallery. But the opening ceremony of the World Cup is always interesting. So the flags of Brazil, Argentina, Spain, France were also seen flying in the gallery.
However, many challenges remain in front of Qatar. The host country, which never qualified for the World Cup, has been accused of corruption. The hosts have been accused of bribing the opponent before the match against Ecuador!
However, Qatar is getting the full support of the global football body FIFA and the locals. FIFA president Gianni Infantino has dismissed the West’s excitement about Qatar as ‘hypocracy’. Infantino has called European media reports that Qatar hired mercenary fans to stage the World Cup “racist”. Yesterday, a large number of subcontinental expatriates staying in Qatar condemned the same news.
After last night’s World Cup whistle-bazar, the football frenzy will probably be overshadowed and everything else. Arvya Rajini will also be admired by critics.
