So Qatar (pronounced ka-tur, as in "Welcome Back Kotter") gets the 2022 World Cup. Qatar is a small country in the Middle East. How small is it?
Given that the tournament is normally played in June and July, I'm assuming they will have to build fully air-conditioned stadiums, as they will not be able to play soccer outdoors in 130 degree heat. They will also have to build the stadiums and all the infrastructure to support the tournament.
ESPN: Qatar, Russia to host World Cups, U.S. shut out
"Qatar, an oil-rich nation that has been independent since 1971, has a population of about 1.7 million -- 500,000 less than Houston. At 4,416 square miles, it is smaller than Connecticut."
Given that the tournament is normally played in June and July, I'm assuming they will have to build fully air-conditioned stadiums, as they will not be able to play soccer outdoors in 130 degree heat. They will also have to build the stadiums and all the infrastructure to support the tournament.
"The nation promised to spend $50 billion on infrastructure upgrades and $4 billion to build nine stadiums and renovate three others. One advantage of the having the tournament in a small country: The stadiums will all be within an hour of each other."There's also a well-documented poor human and labor rights record, according to the State Department. So why was Qatar chosen?
"Basically, oil and natural gas won today. This was not about merit, this was about money," former U.S. national team star Eric Wynalda said in a telephone interview with The Associated Press. Qatar "is a country that is really going to struggle to host this event. A successful World Cup would mean the attendance would be twice the population."Could have had it in the U.S. Oh well, it's FIFA's problem now.
ESPN: Qatar, Russia to host World Cups, U.S. shut out
Moonlighting as a blogger to pursue my interest and enjoyment of sports. Former high school and Division I athlete (now a "retired" family man) that loves watching and discussing all sports. Follow me on Twitter (@HoldoutSports) and like Holdout Sports on Facebook.
