Qatar created history when it hosted the Middle East and Arab world's first-ever FIFA World Cup last November-December. Hailed as one of the most compact and environmental-friendly tournaments in history, it had come in for high praise from around the world. 

73rd #FIFA Congress: FIFA President Thanks #Qatar for Organizing Best World Cup in History. #QNA #QNA_Sports#Qatar2022https://t.co/iuMlfBRcZR pic.twitter.com/2bIFza8bmK

— Qatar News Agency (@QNAEnglish) March 16, 2023

FIFA President Gianni Infantino, speaking at the 73rd FIFA Congress in Kigali, Rwanda, said Qatar 2022 was among the best the world had ever seen.

“FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 was one of the most successful editions in terms of public, technical and organisational aspects. Both FIFA and Qatar fulfilled all the promises they had made prior to the start of the tournament,” said the top official.

“While more than three million fans attended the tournament at Qatar’s wonderful stadiums, there were over five billion viewers for it around the world. Everyone enjoyed a truly great event,” he added.

The FIFA President said despite doubts raised by some sections of the media and society, they had succeeded in delivering an exceptional tournament.

“We’d promised to deliver a unique edition of the World Cup in Qatar, but there were people who didn’t believe us and questioned what was said. But truly, it was the most successful and best edition. There were perfect stadiums and excellent infrastructure, and nothing to disturb the football atmosphere. Thank you Qatar,” he said.

Relive the hype of #Qatar2022

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) March 16, 2023

Rwandan President Paul Kagame was also all praise for Qatar’s achievement.

“The 2022 World Cup is one of those tournaments that’ll remain vividly in the minds of everyone who watched it. I’m proud and happy about what Qatar has accomplished. The country deserves all respect for what it provided to the game and to the world during the historic hosting,” he said.

FIFA Finance Committee Chairman Alejandro Dominguez said the Qatar World Cup had performed exceptionally well financially.

“The 2022 World Cup edition gave us high financial returns. The period from 2019 to 2022 saw a record high for us in terms of revenue, amounting to $7.6bn. This was achieved thanks largely to the Qatar World Cup,” said Dominguez.

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