Manchester United Gaffer Sir Alex Ferguson Gives His Support To Qatar World Cup 2022 Bid

United boss impressed with country's infrastructure...

Jan 14, 2010 2:06:40 AM

More On :  Man Utd., Sir Alex Ferguson
FA Cup: Sir Alex Ferguson, Manchester United - Leeds (Getty Images)

Sir Alex Ferguson has given his backing to Qatar's bid for the 2022 World Cup while he trains his Manchester United team there.

The Scot and his players escaped the heavy snowfall in the UK by flying to Doha for a week-long training camp in the Arabic sun.


And while there he praised the country's bid, telling the Gulf Times: "In South Africa [where this summer's World Cup will be held], travelling between places is quite extensive and may be more difficult for fans to get all over the country.

"That’s where a small country like Qatar could have a big advantage in their bid to host a World Cup.

"Security may be the biggest issue. But then again, you don’t see any crime, any problems with hooliganism here. So you’d think that they would cope with that."

A vote on Qatar’s bid to host the World Cup in 2022 will be taken in December this year with 11 other countries vying to be host nation for the tournament.

Ferguson added that England's recent friendly against Brazil in Qatar will help the country’s profile.

"The game added the value to Qatar as a host of big games," he said.

"It definitely was a big incentive for Qatar as they are hoping to bring the World Cup to the region in 2022. They were telling FIFA that 'we can do this', which was the whole idea of that exercise."

James Daly, Goal.com UK

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