Qatar has set the bar high for information and technology for a FIFA World Cup, an official has said.
Speaking on the sidelines of a recent event to announce WiFI coverage in World Cup buses, Colin Smith, FIFA Chief Operating Officer World Cup, said Qatar had set out to make the tournament scheduled for November 20 to December 18 the ‘best’ ever and has so far succeeded in achieving this and many more.
“It’s always changing and evolving,” Smith said when asked about comparing the state of technology in the host country to other editions.
“What we’ve got in place in Qatar and with all we have done, and the broadcast offering worldwide, the bar is always being reset. Qatar sits at the very top of that for sure,” Smith added. Qatar has implemented several innovative technologies across World Cup infrastructures, including stadiums, transportation and many other facilities. From advanced cooling tech, innovative accessibility services to engage all fans, digital content, retractable roofs and renewable energy, Qatar 2022 is also the most sustainable tournament due to the compact nature of the tournament and the environmentally friendly technology in the design and building.
“Every World Cup is unique, and what Qatar has put in place here is incredible. If we look at the infrastructure, experience, dressing, and the welcome that Qatar is giving to the world here, I mean, that’s tremendous,” Smith added.
According to Smith, FIFA looks for host countries that really want to build and develop. “Qatar set out early on — they want this to be the best World Cup ever and everything’s in place now for that to happen."
Colin Smith added: “We have state-of-the-art stadiums. The pitches the players will play on will allow them to perform at their highest level. This is what the World Cup is about. It’s about building memories and experiences, and for many people, these memories last a lifetime,” he added.
Besides the facilities for players, fans and participating nations, the Main Media Centre at Qatar 2022 will also have a virtual stadium theatre where members of the media can have an immersive experience of the games when they are not at the eight state-of-the-art venues. WiFi services will be provided aboard around 350 buses for the media, players and officials to ease work flow. Also fans can enjoy some of the affordable Internet packages on offer by the service providers, even before they arrive in Qatar.