Let's not confuse FIFA's corruption with Qatar 

Anyone who follows football would agree with me FIFA is as corrupt as any third world nation. The arrests of some of its top executive members and the beginning of criminal procedures against them in Switzerland was seen as a biggest blow on Sepp Blatter as the Swiss readies himself to retain the seat of power on Friday.

But more than the arrests of FIFA officials, the European media have started their tirade against the 2022 World Cup hosts Qatar.

I've always maintained that there's no link between the tainted officials and the bid which was won by Qatar in 2010. I see it as western media's propaganda against the Gulf nation’s ambition. Many in Europe also never liked the idea of shifting the World Cup from its summer date to winter.

While the international body had already proposed for a winter World Cup and Qatar was cleared from any wrongdoings last November, the arrests of FIFA Excom members are unrelated to the bidding process. The Switzerland Attorney General had first opened its probe in March on suspicions that irregularities had occurred in the allocation of the FIFA World Cups of 2018 and 2022.

Europe is against Blatter because of his 'favouritism' towards African and Asian nations. The Swiss is a master tactician and knows his vote bank lies with the world's two largest continents and the CONCACAF region. Blatter, who first became FIFA President in 1998, would know how strong his support base is. He also had divided the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) with once his close aide, Jordan's Prince Ali bin Ali Hussein from West Asia is standing against him in the Friday election. Blatter has smartly divided the Arab world with AFC head Shaikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa-led West Asia expected to stand behind Blatter.

The Jordanian is the only challenger to Blatter after former Portugal international Luis Figo and Dutch Football Federation boss Michael van Praag withdrew so as not to split the anti-Blatter vote. Blatter has enough confidence to win, which is really unfortunate. Even though he’ll evade arrest, ‘uncle’ must take responsibility for creating a climate within FIFA which has led to various scandals.

Blatter has been seating on a bed of wealth since 17 years, but there’s too much uncertainty and a lot of evidence and stuff to come onto the table. Till then, the arrests of FIFA members shouldn’t be linked with Qatar’s bid as the nation is prepared and is raring to host one of the most spectacular World Cups.

Delivery Amazing

Khalifa International Stadium design

As Qatar gears up to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup, its venues are sure to astound and inspire.

The spectacular design of the Khalifa International Stadium, which is under renovation, was jointly unveiled by the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy (SCDL) and Aspire Zone Foundation (AZF) at Riyadh’s Ritz Carlton Hotel last Monday, in the presence of dignitaries from competing countries at the Gulf Cup.

The AZF, which is located within the stadium precinct, is providing logistic support to the SCDL in revamping the facility.

The SCDL had unveiled the designs of the Al Wakrah and Al Bayt-Al Khor City Stadium last November and this June respectively.

The Supreme Committee said work on five proposed venues would start before the end of this year while the unveiling of the designs of the Qatar Foundation Stadium at Education City and Al Rayyan Stadium is expected soon.

Built in 1976 and renovated for the Asian Games in ’06, the Khalifa Stadium will undergo a comprehensive renovation to meet the FIFA standards. It will include a new building in the east wing and a single roof to cover the whole seating area.

The stadium will also house the 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum, which features historic collections and interactive exhibits, demonstrating the strong relationship that connects Qatar with world sports.

Like in the other stadiums and training sites for the World Cup, cooling technology will be used to ensure the players and fans enjoy a comfortable atmosphere. The SCDL had tested the new technology at two open-air Fan Zones at the Katara Cultural Village and Aspire Zone during the Brazil World Cup in June-July.

The Fan Zones, where the temperatures were regulated to provide a comfortable environment for spectators, were a great success.