Could Qatar have the inside track to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup?
FIFA President Sepp Blatter has not officially endorsed Qatar’s bid to host the soccer tournament, but feels the Arab world deserves the opportunity to host a World Cup, Forbes.com reports.
Nine nations have bid to host the 2022 tournament, but the emergence of Doha, Qatar's capital city, may help the emirate's World Cup chances.
Qatar officials have spent nearly $3 billion to build new stadiums in Doha. Tennis, motor racing and cricket are being played at the venues currently, and the stadiums will be used to host the 2011 Asian Cup in January.
Qatar has not bid to host the 2018 World Cup, but has made endeavors to host other international sporting events. The emirate made a pitch to host the 2016 Summer Olympics but lost to Rio de Janeiro.
Qatar would make history if it earns the right to host the World Cup. The emirate would be the first to host the World Cup in the Arab world, and would also be the first to host an indoor World Cup.
