FIFA on Thursday formally introduced ahead the opening match of this yr’s World Cup by someday to November 20 in a uncommon change in order that hosts Qatar function within the gala sport.
Football’s high officers universally permitted the choice, FIFA mentioned in a assertion whereas Qatar mentioned it will give unspecified assist to followers affected by the change.
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On the previous schedule, Qatar towards Ecuador was to be the official inauguration match on November 21 however Senegal towards Netherlands could be the primary match of the day. England towards Iran would have been second.
Qatar had additionally been pissed off because it has invested in a big opening ceremony present.
“Host country Qatar will now play Ecuador on Sunday 20 November as part of a stand-alone event,” mentioned FIFA.
“The opening match and ceremony of this year’s tournament at Al Bayt Stadium have been brought forward one day following a unanimous decision taken by the bureau of the FIFA Council today.”
The bureau is made up of FIFA chief Gianni Infantino and the six heads of the contintental confederations.
‘Smooth tournament’ vow
“The change ensures the continuity of a long-standing tradition of marking the start of the World Cup with an opening ceremony on the occasion of the first match featuring either the hosts or the defending champions,” added FIFA.
Under the brand new plan, the Group A sport between Senegal and the Netherlands has been shifted from 1:00pm (1000 GMT) on November 21 to a 7:00pm begin. There isn’t any change to England’s opening Group B conflict towards Iran.
Qatari organisers, who’ve spent billions of {dollars} making ready for the occasion, instantly welcomed FIFA’s gesture.
“Opening the first FIFA World Cup to be held in the Middle East and Arab world is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Qatar,” mentioned the organising committee in a assertion.
“The impact of this decision on fans was assessed by FIFA. We will work together to ensure a smooth tournament for the supporters affected by the change,” they added with out giving particulars.
Some Ecuador followers might have to vary flights to reach in Qatar earlier and soccer sources mentioned the date change may power adjustments to some World Cup contracts.
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But many firms linked to the World Cup expressed confidence that disruption could be overcome.
“It is something we will deal with,” mentioned Jaime Byrom, chairman of Match Hospitality, which has a take care of FIFA to organise hospitality packages for World Cup matches and has locked in 450,000 tickets for the event.
“It is really not — compared to the other challenges that we could have faced or have faced in the past — a particularly large problem,” Byrom instructed AFP.
“We have to focus on those customers who are most affected and I guess in this case we will be looking at our Ecuadorian customers who are travelling from overseas, and making sure that they are on time for the match.”
Official countdown clocks for the occasion had been rapidly modified. The 100 day countdown to the opening match will now begin on Friday, as an alternative of Saturday.
The choice was additionally introduced as Qatar staged the primary official match on the Lusail stadium which is able to host the December 18 World Cup last.
Before greater than 10,000 followers, and with gamers engulfed in air con to keep at bay stifling summer season warmth, Al Arabi beat Al Rayyan 2-1 within the Qatar championship.
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