FIFA President, Gianni Infantino has hailed the opening stages of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 as the ‘best ever’ in the face of dramatic matches record-breaking attendances and television figures across the world.
Speaking on the heel of a two day break at the Qatar World Cup, the FIFA boss also noted that there are no more ‘minnows’ in the game, saying “The level is very, very equal”
“I have seen all the matches, indeed, and put very simply and very clearly, this has been the best group stage of a FIFA World Cup ever. So, it’s very promising for the remainder of the FIFA World Cup,” the FIFA President said. “The matches have been of great, great quality in beautiful stadiums – we knew that already. However, as well, the public who was there was incredible. Over 51,000 on average.”
Noting part of the success of the ongoing event as the viewers statistics, Infantino revelled in the record of followership which is now reflecting in figures.
Mr Infantino continued: “Record-breaking figures on TV – we already had over two billion viewers, which is really incredible. Two-and-a-half million people in the streets of Doha and a few hundred thousand every day in the stadiums, all together, cheering together, supporting their teams, fantastic atmosphere, great goals, incredible excitement and surprises.”
“There are no more small teams and no more big teams,” the FIFA President said. “The level is very, very equal. For the first time as well, national teams from all continents going to the knock-out phase, for the first time in history. This shows that football is really becoming truly global.” he added.
On what herm expects in the next eight games, he expressed optimism that the event will reach fibe billion viewers around the world
“We hope that the FIFA World Cup continues and concludes as it has started – a fantastic success. I am sure that we will reach the five billion viewers around the world,”
President Infantino continued. “When it comes to stadium attendances, the stadiums are sold-out, full practically at every match. The fan festivals, the different fan zones, are also very crowded with people celebrating and enjoying [themselves]”.
“And at the end [of the day], we simply want to give some joy and some smiles to people all over the world. That’s what football is about, that’s what the FIFA World Cup is about, and that’s what should also happen from now until the end.” he concluded.