Doha: After so much waiting, the much anticipated Al Thumama Stadium is finally inaugurated with the epic clash of the Amir Cup Final yesterday. During the opening ceremony of the Al Thumama Stadium, Amir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani attended.
Gianni Infantino, President of FIFA and a number of heads of Arab and international sports associations alo9n with the Personal Representative of HH the Amir attended the opening ceremony.
Al Thumama Stadium is the sixth venue for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. The stadium has a capacity of 40,000 seats. Al Sadd faced Al Rayyan in the country’s much anticipated inaugural match of the Al Thumama Stadium. The fans were also excited as the match was open to the full capacity of the stadium, welcoming normal football back to Qatar. Al Sadd won the match edging 5-4 against Al Rayyan in penalties.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said: “Qatar continues to amaze the football world and it will not stop until the curtain closes on the FIFA World Cup. Al Thumama Stadium is another work of art and carries a lot of significance for the country and the region. I cannot wait to see the first FIFA pan-Arab football tournament being held right here in a few weeks’ time, and to witness the first FIFA World Cup in the Middle East just one year from now.”
“I am thrilled to be here today, next to His Highness the Amir, and to have the opportunity to personally thank him for Qatar’s efforts, which go way beyond delivering what will be the best FIFA World Cup ever in 2022,” added Infantino.
Al Thumama Stadium is all set to host 6 matches of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 through to the quarter-finals. The stadium will also host 8 matches of the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2021. A traditional woven cap worn by men and boys across the Middle East, gahfiya, inspired the design of the venue.
“It has a very special place in our hearts. I mean it is part of our national headgear or national dress. There’s no doubt that we feel that it’s a common element or a common thread that unites us all and a celebration of Arabic culture,” said Hassan Al Thawadi, Secretary-General at Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy.
