Man Jose Kayima
FIFA has confirmed that the 2022 Qatar World Cup will kickoff a day earlier than initially planned to allow hosts play opener.
Initially the opening game of the tournament was due to see African Champions Senegal taking on Netherlands on Monday November, 21st followed by the Group B match between England and Iran were scheduled to take place before the ceremony on the Monday.
The original plan was for the opening ceremony to be held before Qatar’s game on 21 November against Ecuador, which created the unusual situation of two matches being held before the ceremony.
Now the new development will see the opening ceremony brought forward one day as a stand alone event prior to the opener between Qatar and Ecuador at the Al Bayt Stadium.
FIFA statement released on Thursday reads,
“The decision followed an assessment of the competition and operational implications, as well as a thorough consultation process and an agreement with key stakeholders and the host country.”
“The release period, as previously decided and as governed by the Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players, will remain unchanged, beginning on 14 November 2022.
“Ticket holders will be duly notified by email that the relevant matches have been rescheduled and their tickets will remain valid irrespective of the new date/time.”
