The UAE will not be playing joint host to Qatar’s World Cup in 2022, despite some European officials repeated push for the move, UAE Football Association head Yousuf Al Serkal has told the National.

“It is a crazy idea,” said Al Serkal, who is also vice president of the Asian Football Confederation and has thrown his hat in the ring for the presidency. The spot previously belonged to Qatari businessman Mohamed Bin Hammam, who FIFA banned for life following a bribery scandal.

Al Serkal’s remarks were made after Michel Platini, head of the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), reiterated his support that the games should be “shared” with nearby nations – an idea that Qatar has repeatedly rejected.

The UAE football head added:

“We support Qatar to host the World Cup independently and we are not interested in any sharing. On the contrary, we have put ourselves at the disposal of the Qataris for any support they might require, be it logistically or whatever.”

Meanwhile, Al Serkal expressed his support for Hassan Al Thawadi, secretary general of the Qatar 2022 Supreme Committee, who is running against Bahrain’s Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa for a seat on FIFA’s executive committee.

According to World Football Insider:

Al Thawadi is favourite to secure the four-year mandate that would provide a major boost for Qatar’s World Cup preparations…

His election could accelerate a decision on whether Qatar stages a summer or winter World Cup.

Thoughts?

Credit: Photo by wasapninworld