By Chris Hoover

Paris

 

Qatar has been invited to host the Legends World Cup in 2016, a major charity competition.

The World Sport Company, the organiser of the Legends World Cup,  said yesterday it was keen to have Qatar as host for the event in 2016.

World Sport Company managing director Jawid Bunyadi used the opportunity at the Aspire Global Summit to invite Qatar as the host for the charity competition that will be played in 32 games and bring 16 countries and 300 legends together.

Under the motto “Legendary players for the less privileged”, stars from the past  play and entertain people for a good cause during the event.

“We are aiming for the Middle East and will be happy if Qatar hosts the first edition of the championship in 2016,” Bunyadi said.

“This event will generate image building for the host country. Everyone is saying that the Middle East is a very hot place but when you bring in 350 legends who know what football is and once they play there, they will be able to give their opinion that will clear all doubts,” he added.

Former Dutch international Patrick Kluivert and former Spain international Gaizka Mendieta were present during the presentation.

“When you are still playing, you don’t think so much about the things you are going to do after you stop playing as a professional. This tournament is a great way to give something back to the community and it’s a great chance to meet former teammates, opponents and friends again,” official ambassador for Legends World Cup Patrick Kluivert told Gulf Times.

“Though I will not be able to give the names of the top players who will be participating, I can assure that very big players will be taking part in this event,” Kluivert said.

“If a legend gets an invitation, it will be difficult for him to refuse it as it is a recognition for what one has done for his country. This is being organised to raise funds for the less privileged and I am confident that we will have a great tournament,” he said.

“Which former professional does not want to play in a great competition as a World Cup for legends?” asked Mendieta.

“It is a great opportunity for us players, but, of course, also for the fans. This is also for a noble cause and I am sure we will have the support of all the former players,” Mendieta explained.

Speaking to Qatar News Agency (QNA) later, Kluivert said that Qatar deserved the right to host the 2022 World Cup.

He said that FIFA’s decision came after its confirmation that Qatar’s bid had fulfilled all the requirements to win the right to organise this big tournament.

“It is the right of the people of the Middle East to host the World Cup, he said, expressing his confidence that Qatar possessed the potentials to ensure the success of the 2022 World Cup.  

Meanwhile, officials have announced that the 2014 Italian Super Cup between champions Juventus and Cup holders Napoli will be played in Qatar on December 22.

Serie A president Maurizio Beretta made the announcement at a press conference in Paris along with the Qatar Football Association general secretary Saoud al-Mohannadi.  

 

Minister slams anti-Qatar campaigns

 

HE the Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage Dr Hamad bin Abdul Aziz al-Kuwari has described campaigns against Qatar’s 2022 FIFA World Cup award as “irregular”. He said such campaigns  must be faced with  confidence, stressing that they would not affect in any way the organising of the event.  In a statement to the Al-Kass Sports channel yesterday, the minister said the concentration should on the implementation of mega-projects associated with the World Football Cup “as Qatar shoulders a great responsibility and we should have to prove to the whole world that we are up to this responsibility through actions and not words”. He said: “This the best way to counter these irregular campaigns.”

 

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