FIFA World Cup 2022: ‘Brazil, Russia were fun, but Qatar well organised’

Updated On: 13 December, 2022 10:15 AM IST | Doha | Ashwin Ferro

Mumbai-based Steven D’Souza and his friends, who travelled to watch the last three World Cups, compare their 2014 and 2018 experience with Qatar 2022

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Mumbai-based Steven D’Souza (right) with his family and friends at the Al Bayt Stadium for the World Cup quarter-final between France and England recently. Pic/Ashwin Ferro

There has been a lot said and written in the international media about the FIFA World Cup 2022 experience in Qatar. From some media outlets highlighting the country’s alleged poor human rights record to others criticising its anti-gay laws, there has been a lot written. However, at a global event of such magnitude, the most important aspect is the experience for the biggest stakeholders of the game—the fans. mid-day interacted with Mumbai-based Steven D’Souza and his friends, who have travelled to the last three World Cups, to learn how this experience compares to their previous World Cup trips.

A thrilling moment

“We are thrilled to be watching the World Cup here in Asia, so close to our home. We have been to Brazil [2014] and Russia [2018] and though there was more fun and action there, compared to here, we should respect a nation and its laws. We don’t have any issue with there being no alcohol allowed at the stadiums, there is plenty at the nearby fan parks. But the infrastructure and facilities for us fans here is world class,” says Steven, who resides in Malad. Ryan D’Souza, a former national-level footballer, says the free transport is a blessing. “In Brazil and Russia, we had to pay for our transport to and from the venues and even intra-city, but here all city travel is totally free with our Hayya card [mandatory entry permit for all World Cup guests entering Qatar]. And even the Hayya card was conveniently issued online without any charges,” says Ryan, a Union Bank of India officer.

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