LONDON: The cost of hosting the 2022 World Cup in Qatar could be the most expensive in history, with the Doha government looking to build a new city to host the opening match and the final. According to preliminary reports, it could cost the small Gulf country around $200 billion to complete its preparations to host football's premier event. The new city, Lusail, will be built in the East of Qatar, with the football stadium the focal point, 15 km north of Doha. A website set-up for the city – www.lusail.com – states that “the aim is to establish a distinctive 21st century iconic city which celebrates the special cultural and geographical heritage of Qatar and the Gulf Region.” It will have a population of 200,000, the government says. Nicola Ritter, a German legal and financial analyst, told an investors' summit held in Munich that of the $200 billion cost, stadiums and facilities would carry a bill of some $150 billion while transport infrastructure would amount to $50 billion. The cost of air-conditioning the 12 stadiums would be another $50 billion, with a further $70 billion allocated for training facilities and accommodation for players and fans. Transport improvements include expanding the New Doha International Airport and constructing the new Doha port where it is planned some fans will be accommodated on cruise ships, according to a report in Construction News. BM
