Qatar to host FIFA-Backed pan-Arab Tournament In 2021

Qatar and FIFA are set to deliver a pan-Arab tournament in late 2021 with the competition acting as a crucial preparatory event for the FIFA World Cup 2022.

"The competition proposal was presented to FIFA Council members via videoconference by Hassan Al Thawadi, Secretary-General of the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy (SC) and Chairman of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 LLC (Q22). The FIFA Council subsequently approved the formation of the competition," the Qatar Football Association (QFA) said in a statement.

The invitational tournament is expected to feature 22 Arab nations from Africa and Asia. It will be held in Qatar from 1-18 December 2021 and will be played outside the international match calendar.

The tournament will allow the organisers to use facilities and run operations that are also planned for the subsequent FIFA World Cup 2022. It is interesting to note that the tournament will take place during the same timeslot as the FIFA World Cup 2022, with the final taking place exactly one year before the Qatar 2022 final is scheduled to kick-off.

Al Thawadi said," The tournament is also being held at exactly the same time as the World Cup, meaning fans, players and officials will get a taste of what's to come in 2022."

"The creation of this pan-Arab tournament reinforces our longstanding commitment that the FIFA World Cup 2022 will be a tournament that benefits the entire Arab world, one that showcases the beauty of the region and the immense passion that exists for the game," he added.