HE Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed al-Thani, President of the Qatar Football Association (QFA), expressed his pride in Qatar’s announcement of the readiness of Al Janoub Stadium in the city of Al Wakrah, which hosted the final of the Amir Cup on Thursday night.
In remarks after the match, HE Sheikh Hamad said he was very happy with the great achievement and extended his thanks to all partners for their cooperation in realising this important football achievement.
“I am delighted that in the presence of His Highness the Amir – and along with our colleagues and stakeholders – Al Janoub Stadium has successfully launched with the 2019 edition of the country’s most prestigious football event – the Amir Cup final,” HE Sheikh Hamad said.
“I wish to extend my congratulations to both Al Duhail and Al Sadd, whose performances were fitting of this magnificent occasion, and thank all those who have worked together to ensure this event was a resounding success,” he added.
Following the successful inauguration of the redeveloped Khalifa International Stadium in May 2017, Al Janoub Stadium also becomes the first Qatar 2022 venue to be built from scratch – three-and-a-half years ahead of the FIFA World Cup.
Qatar Football Association (QFA) and the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC), the organisation responsible for delivering the infrastructure required for Qatar 2022, jointly announced the venue would host the Amir Cup final 2019 in April – and under the patronage of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, the opening game at the venue was a resounding success. On the night, Al Duhail beat Al Sadd 4-1 to win the Amir Cup for the third time in four seasons. It was a disappointing night for legendary midfielder Xavi Hernandez, who will retire from playing at the end of the season after spending four seasons with the Wolves. After spectacular pre-match activities – featuring local music, poetry, performance and stunning visual effects, all paying homage to Al Wakrah’s seafaring past – the stadium hosted its first game.
SC secretary-general Hassan al-Thawadi said: “The launch of Al Janoub Stadium represents another momentous milestone on the road to 2022. During the bid we told the world to expect amazing and with this magnificent stadium launch – along with the six others to follow – I am proud to report we are delivering on that promise.
“To have completed this stadium with more than three years to go is another source of pride for us and our many stakeholders across the State of Qatar. I look forward to continuing our work together to ensure the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 is one of the most memorable editions in the tournament’s long and illustrious history.”
The stadium was designed by architectural icon Zaha Hadid, who was inspired by the sails of traditional dhow boats to produce a concept which honours Al Wakrah’s past, while looking forward to its bright future.
Yasir al-Jamal, vice chairman of the Technical Delivery Office at the SC and chairman of the Host Country Operations Office, said: “Seeing 40,000 fans at Al Janoub Stadium for the Amir Cup final was a huge honour for everyone involved in the project. I would like to thank everyone who contributed to this feat, including the SC team, our various contractors and consultants.
“A huge thank you also to all of the Qatari companies who have been involved in the construction of the stadium – we are proud that more than 50 per cent of the project budget was invested in the local economy.”
Al-Jamal continued: “The successful delivery of Al Janoub Stadium wouldn’t have been possible without outstanding collaboration between the project team and our stakeholders across the country. We are very proud to have delivered a state-of-the-art venue that is sure to become a fans’ favourite in 2022.”
Nasser al-Khater, CEO, FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 LLC, said: “We have tonight – alongside our stakeholders – delivered a second world-class and fully operational stadium, fit to host the world’s greatest football competition in 2022.
“Work on this stadium began in 2014, and to reach where we are today in such a short period of time is a remarkable achievement for all involved.”
Fireworks go off during the opening ceremony of the Al Janoub World Cup stadium in Al Wakrah on Thursday night. Al Duhail beat Al Sadd 4-1 to win the Amir Cup final, the first match to be played at Qatar’s newest football venue. PICTURE: Noushad Thekkayil
