Qatar and FIFA are set to deliver a pan-Arab tournament that will be played in the Gulf state in late 2021, with the competition acting as a crucial preparatory event for the FIFA World Cup 2022, that kicks off on November 21, 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 22-team invitational tournament for men's national teams will be contested by Arab nations from Africa and Asia. It will be played outside the international match calendar.
The tournament, which will be held in Qatar from December 1-18, 2021 will be delivered by Q22 and will allow the orgsers to use facilities and run operations that are also planned for the subsequent FIFA World Cup 2022.
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.
All tournament matches will be played at Qatar 2022 stadiums. In addition to utilising Qatar 2022 stadiums and training sites, the tournament will provide a vital opportunity for fans, players and officials to use host country facilities, including transport and accommodation.
"Qatar has hosted many events since it was awarded the World Cup hosting rights back in 2010, but this will be our biggest yet and it will prove essential in utilising facilities and services ahead of 2022. The tournament is also being held at exactly the same time as the World Cup, meng fans, players and officials will get a taste of what's to come in 2022," Al Thawadi said.
"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.
( With inputs from ANI )