Aspire Zone Foundation (AZF) opened its 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia fan zone in the iconic 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar venue, Khalifa International Stadium, on Friday, giving fans a chance to celebrate the most anticipated sporting event in the world.
More than 1,500 members of the Moroccan community, led by ambassador Nabil Zniber, attended the opening on the first day of Eid al-Fitr holidays, to watch Morocco’s first 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia match against Iran.
The live screening witnessed a widespread enthusiasm and cheering from spectators throughout the match.
“We are delighted to welcome so many members of the Moroccan community to the Khalifa International Stadium as they support their national team at the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia,” AZF’s public relations director Nasser Abdullah al-Hajri said.
“AZF enjoys a strong relationship with various embassies, including the Moroccan embassy. Such a show of support for the Moroccan community is consistent with Qatar’s ongoing, strong relationship with the county, including being one of the first to back its FIFA World Cup bid,” he noted.
Zniber said it was a pleasure to see so many members of the Moroccan community at the stadium to cheer on Morocco’s national team during their first match in the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia.
Algerian ambassador Abdelaziz Sebaa, who also attended the matches, said the atmosphere among spectators was excellent and it felt like watching a match from the stands.
“AZF has done a great job with the fan zone at Khalifa International Stadium – it’s the ideal setting for community members to follow World Cup games and keep up with the all the action,” the envoy added.
The fan zone seats more than 2,500 people and has car parking capacity for more than 2,000 vehicles. It is also be equipped with the latest cooling technologies, a giant LED screen, and a range of food and beverage stalls creating a unique and memorable atmosphere for the country’s football fans.
The experience provides clues as to what fans can expect at one of the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar stadiums in four years’ time.
This year’s fan zone is sponsored by the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (main partner) and Ooredoo (main sponsor), as well as Al Attiya Motors and Trading Co, CISCO, Witr Jewellery, Royal Air Maroc and Pepsi.
The fan zone seats more than 2,500 and features a giant LED screen.
