Tuesday 02 / July / 2024
Doha: Veteran Oman goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi has been named an ambassador for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, which is to be held in the Arab state of Qatar.
Al Habsi is currently with the Oman national team in Doha for the upcoming Arabian Gulf Cup, which kicks off today when Qatar play Iraq in the tournament opener. Oman’s first game is against Bahrain on Wednesday, 27 November.
“It is my pleasure and honour to be chosen by Qatar’s Committee for Delivery and Legacy as an ambassador for the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup,” said Ali Al Habsi on this occasion. “I am pleased and happy to represent my country Oman and all Arab athletes at this huge event in prosperous city of Doha.”
Al Habsi is one of a number of current and former athletes who’ve been named ambassadors for what is slated to be the first Arab World Cup. Others include ex-Egypt international Wael Gomaa, who said, “I am confident in the choice of the Supreme Committee to select me as an ambassador for the 2022 World Cup. I hope to be the best ambassador for my country, Egypt, and hope to set an example for all Arab athletes. I wish the organisers luck towards hosting a World Cup that will honour all Arabs.”
Former Iraq striker Younis Mahmoud is another who has been named an ambassador. He said, “My thanks and appreciation for this great honour. I was chosen as one of the 2022 World Cup ambassadors and hope to be the best ambassador for my country, Iraq, as well as all the athletes who will come to the Arab world for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.”
Egyptian midfielder Mohamed Aboutrika, who was also named an ambassador, said, “To be the ambassador of the first World Cup in the Arab world, this is a great honour,” while fellow ambassador and former Qatar international Khalid Salman added, “This is a responsibility, not just an honour. I am the ambassador of the 2022 World Cup and hope to be the best ambassador for my country in serving all the athletes who will be in the Arab World, at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.”
Kuwait international Bader Al Motawaa was also named an ambassador, and these players join legends Samuel Eto’o of Cameroon and Brazil’s Cafu as ambassadors for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
