Agencies/Manila

The head of the Qatar 2022 World Cup committee said yesterday that the country was already feeling the benefits of staging the tournament.
Hassan al-Thawadi also assured Asian Football Confederation members they too would also feel the positive effects of a first World Cup in the Middle East.
He said five stadiums were under construction and preparations were at an advanced stage for the event, but offered no insight into when the tournament will be staged, simply saying they continued to prepare for June and July.
He told AFC members at their awards night in Manila, also attended by FIFA president Sepp Blatter, that the success of the Qatari national team in winning the Gulf Cup of Nations last week was evidence of the positive impact of the World Cup.
“The inspiration that 2022 provides is evident already with the achievements this year of our national teams at the AFC Under-19 Championships and the Gulf Cup,” he said.
“We hope and believe that these are the first steps toward attaining the vision that 2022 can inspire in West Asia, in a similar manner that 2002 (in South Korea and Japan) inspired and invigorated football in East Asia.
“The significance of the event coming to our region for the first time must not be overlooked, but we recognise that this event is also a showcase for Asian football on the international stage.
“Our responsibility is to ensure that the potential of 2022 is fully realised and leaves a positive legacy for the region and the Asian continent as a whole.”
The awarding of the tournament has been shrouded in negativity, with the bidding process for the 2018 and 2022 tournaments criticised amid accusations of corruption by individuals on FIFA’s executive committee, who opted for Russia and Qatar.
Both nations deny any wrongdoing.
Qatar has also come under fire for the working conditions of those building much of the World Cup infrastructure.
Al-Thawadi said a report would be published next week on the implementation of “rigorous standards for the welfare of all” workers.
“These reports will serve as a basis for ensuring that our commitments to the welfare of those working on our projects are upheld, maintained and improved,” he said.
“The health, safety, security and dignity of every individual that contributes to building our event is of the utmost importance to us and we will continue to strive every day to ensure that these principles are upheld.”
He added that the packed crowd in Riyadh during the AFC Champions league final proved people in the region have a passion for football.
“All of you sitting here tonight will know and understand the depth of passion for football in the Middle East and Asia.  This year’s AFC Champions League final is a prime example, with 75,000 ardent supporters filling the King Fahd International Stadium in Riyadh for the second-leg of the final and creating an atmosphere that would rival any arena in the world.  
We want to showcase this passion to the world in 2022 and demonstrate the football culture that runs through our region and our continent.  We want to demonstrate the Middle East and Asia’s prominence and its ability to deliver a global experience that leaves an indelible mark on the history of football and mega-events for decades to come.”
Al-Thawadi said preparations for the event are already in full swing.
“Our journey towards delivering the promises we made to the international football community began the very next day after we were awarded the rights to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup.  “
I am proud to say that we are at an advanced stage in our preparations, with just less than eight years remaining until the first ball is kicked, and almost four years since we were awarded the hosting rights.
“We currently have five stadiums in various stages of construction.  During the Gulf Cup this month we unveiled the design of the redeveloped Khalifa International Stadium and more news on designs will follow in December.”