Mohamed al-Atwan, Director of Facilities Department at the AFC Champions League’s East Zone matches, has said surging confidence in Qatar’s ability to stage a football tournament in trying circumstances has raised the responsibility on the Local Organising Committee (LOC) that remains determined to deliver a flawless event once again.
“We have the ideal infrastructure to host matches of the AFC Champions League, East Zone. This infrastructure shows the ability of the LOC’s part to put together a great event. The fact that Qatar is hosting the month-long event shows the confidence of FIFA and AFC has on us to deliver a successful event,” al-Atwan said in an interview with QFA website.
“The LOC is providing all requirements sought from us by the AFC. The Asian football body has chosen Qatar to host the East Zone matches after we successfully conducted the West Zone matches in Sept-Oct. We have helped AFC to complete its season in the most difficult circumstances prevailing around the world because of the Covid-19 situation,” al-Atwan said.
He then added: “Every tournament that we host is a new challenge for us and an opportunity to gain new experiences with chances to learn many lessons. These lessons are applied in any sporting event held in the future. We aim to excel always and lead by ensuring the implementation of the highest quality standards. We also look at providing the best means of protection and prevention for the safety of the players and participants in the tournament. Our football facilities reflect the kind of high standards we have exhibited throughout the events staged so far. And yes, we are meeting all AFC requirements”.
Al-Atwan said hosting West Zone matches helped LOC gain experience in all respects, especially in light of hosting the high number of matches in trying circumstances because of the Covid-19 situation around the world. “This presented a new challenge for us, and the LOC teams were quick to develop and implement safety and health protocols underlined by the Ministry of Public Health. The AFC were pleased with our plans,” he added.