Qatar's World Cup Challenge Magnified by Track Worlds Issues

Date: 08 October 2019 - 21:55

News ID: ۷۱۴۶۴

DOHA, Qatar (AP) -- By day, Juma Marzouq approves Qatar's masterplans for the vast stadium infrastructure for the 2022 World Cup. By night, Marzouq goes into fan mode, tackling the challenge of filling soccer arenas in this tiny nation.
Marzouq has seen encouraging signs since Qatar's breakthrough on the field in February, when it won the Asian Cup for its first major soccer title.
The urban planning expert last week glanced around the near-full stands of Al Sadd's 15,000-seat stadium for the visit of Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal in the semifinals of the Asian Champions League, a small victory for the hosts.
''We have a new generation coming to the stadiums,'' Marzouq said.
It isn't always like this at soccer - or any other sport in Qatar - despite the ruling family's thirst for bidding for elite events.
Almost 3 miles (4.8 kilometers) from Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium, far less boisterous scenes played out at Khalifa Stadium for most of the 10 days of the world track and field championships that ended Sunday. Organizers were left trying to explain away the thousands of empty seats.
*****Spectators sit in nearly empty seats the World Athletics Championships in Doha, Qatar, Monday, Sept. 30, 2019.