Sir Geoff Hurst visited the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) and the National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ) on Wednesday, the last day of his visit to the country. England’s 1966 World Cup winner Hurst met with SC secretary-general Hassan al-Thawadi.
After the meeting, the former striker – the only man to score a hat-trick in a FIFA World Cup final – took a Legacy Pavilion Tour, where he had a glimpse of Qatar’s preparations for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Sir Geoff Hurst tours the National Museum of Qatar
Hurst spoke of how impressed he is with Qatar’s tournament plans and said the country will host a great World Cup.
He also visited Abdulla Yousuf al-Mulla, director of the Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum, and talked about how sport and Qatar are intrinsically linked. Al-Mulla explained about the experience and the interactive facilities which the Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum is going to provide. Hurst also signed a ball, which will from now on feature in the museum and be a treasure for the football fans.
Sir Geoff Hurst shares a light moment with SC secretary-general Hassan al-Thawadi
Hurst rounded off his memorable third visit to Qatar by taking a tour of the iconic NMoQ. He was fascinated by the sprawling desert-rose-inspired structure, which opened in March last year. The 78-year-old – who also won FA Cup and European Cup Winners’ Cup medals with West Ham in his illustrious career – was in Qatar for a short visit. On Tuesday, Hurst was part of Qatar’s National Sport Day celebrations as he refereed a tournament for international property and construction consultancy Gleeds.
“It’s my third visit to Qatar. Last year I came here and my first was in 2005. Qatar has changed dramatically over the years. I can see many changes in a short time since my visit last year. As a person I am positive, as a player I was very positive. It’s going to be a great World Cup in Qatar,” said Sir Geoff during his interview with Gulf Times.
