ZURICH/JEDDAH/DOHA: There was jubilation and celebration in Saudi Arabia and the whole of Middle East as Qatar created history by putting the Gulf and the Middle East on the soccer world map after being picked to host the 2022 World Cup finals.
Earlier, FIFA, the soccer world governing body, had named Russia as host of the 2018 finals, another first-time hosts.
Though many applauded the choice of Russia, it was the second announcement — Qatar to host the 2022 event — that brought raptures to the whole of Middle East.
FIFA President Sepp Blatter said soon after the vote: "We go to new lands. Never has the World Cup been in Russia and Eastern Europe, and the Middle East and Arabic world have been waiting for a long time so I'm a happy president when we talk about the development of football".
His sentiments were echoed by Qatar bid chief Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al-Thani, who said in Zurich: "Thank you for backing us and expanding the game. You will be proud of us and you will be proud of the Middle East"
The Russian delegation head and Deputy Prime Minister Igor Shuvalov said: "You have entrusted us with the FIFA World Cup for 2018 and I just can promise, we all can promise, you will never regret it. Let us make history together".
Russia has vowed to waive visas and provide free ground transport for all ticket holders.
Real joy and celebration broke out in the Arab streets soon after Qatar's name was flashed on the screen as the winner of the right to organize the 2022 finals. And there were quick reaction from Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
Prince Sultan bin Fahd, head of the Youth Welfare Presidency and president of Saudi Football Federation, and Prince Nawaf bin Faisal bin Fahd, deputy president of the Youth Welfare Presidency, congratulated Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani on the success of the bid. Arab News
