PANAJI: Indian fans who have booked their match tickets for the Fifa World Cup 2022 and are now desperately hunting for accommodation in Doha have little to worry, according to chief executive officer Nasser Al Khater.
Several fans believe not everyone will be able to find accommodation for themselves in the rich gulf nation, and if they do, it will be for an exorbitant price. The organisers, however, have allayed fears and told fans that they are committed to offering every fan the opportunity to enjoy an affordable World Cup.
“Because of the geographical proximity and historical people-to-people linkages between India and the GCC region, Qatar 2022 is perceived by many Indian football fans as the unique opportunity to experience the Fifa World Cup from up close. This has been illustrated by Indian residents emerging in the top 10 of the first phase of the ticketing. I would like to assure Indian fans that we will make the prices as affordable as possible for everyone,” Qatar 2022 CEO Nasser Al Khater told TOI.
The organisers are expected to deliver up to 130,000 rooms for the one million-plus fans expected over the course of the tournament, ensuring there are no concerns over a shortfall of accommodation.
Fans have been urged to book through the accommodation portal.
“We know there have been price hikes in previous tournaments to take advantage of the fans who have bought tickets. That’s something we have always been determined to avoid,” said Al Khater.
The CEO’s assurance will come as a relief for fans like former India coach Armando Colaco who already has confirmed match tickets and is now trying to secure accommodation for himself and his group of friends.
“We are exploring options at the moment,” said Colaco, who guided Dempo Sports Club to a record five national league titles in eight years. “The World Cup is the world’s biggest sporting event and the world will be headed to Doha. There will be plenty of fans from India alone due to the proximity. After obtaining match tickets, accommodation is now our biggest concern.”
Colaco and his friends have tickets for four group matches at the World Cup which includes a high-profile clash between geopolitical rivals Iran and United States. He’s also delighted to have secured tickets to see his favourite team, Portugal, in action against South Korea, a repeat of the 2002 group D clash when the European giants lost against the hosts.
“I missed the 2010 World Cup due to a goof-up with the flight ticket booking. I just hope everything gets sorted for Doha,” said Colaco.
Fifa has already sold 804,186 matchday tickets in the first two phases of ticket sales and India is among the countries from where the demand for tickets has been highest.
According to Fifa, India stands seventh among the top-ten buyers. The top 10 countries who have bought the most tickets include Qatar, USA, England, Mexico, UAE, Germany, India, Brazil, Argentina and Saudi Arabia.
Several fans believe not everyone will be able to find accommodation for themselves in the rich gulf nation, and if they do, it will be for an exorbitant price. The organisers, however, have allayed fears and told fans that they are committed to offering every fan the opportunity to enjoy an affordable World Cup.
“Because of the geographical proximity and historical people-to-people linkages between India and the GCC region, Qatar 2022 is perceived by many Indian football fans as the unique opportunity to experience the Fifa World Cup from up close. This has been illustrated by Indian residents emerging in the top 10 of the first phase of the ticketing. I would like to assure Indian fans that we will make the prices as affordable as possible for everyone,” Qatar 2022 CEO Nasser Al Khater told TOI.
The organisers are expected to deliver up to 130,000 rooms for the one million-plus fans expected over the course of the tournament, ensuring there are no concerns over a shortfall of accommodation.
Fans have been urged to book through the accommodation portal.
“We know there have been price hikes in previous tournaments to take advantage of the fans who have bought tickets. That’s something we have always been determined to avoid,” said Al Khater.
The CEO’s assurance will come as a relief for fans like former India coach Armando Colaco who already has confirmed match tickets and is now trying to secure accommodation for himself and his group of friends.
“We are exploring options at the moment,” said Colaco, who guided Dempo Sports Club to a record five national league titles in eight years. “The World Cup is the world’s biggest sporting event and the world will be headed to Doha. There will be plenty of fans from India alone due to the proximity. After obtaining match tickets, accommodation is now our biggest concern.”
Colaco and his friends have tickets for four group matches at the World Cup which includes a high-profile clash between geopolitical rivals Iran and United States. He’s also delighted to have secured tickets to see his favourite team, Portugal, in action against South Korea, a repeat of the 2002 group D clash when the European giants lost against the hosts.
“I missed the 2010 World Cup due to a goof-up with the flight ticket booking. I just hope everything gets sorted for Doha,” said Colaco.
Fifa has already sold 804,186 matchday tickets in the first two phases of ticket sales and India is among the countries from where the demand for tickets has been highest.
According to Fifa, India stands seventh among the top-ten buyers. The top 10 countries who have bought the most tickets include Qatar, USA, England, Mexico, UAE, Germany, India, Brazil, Argentina and Saudi Arabia.
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