Qatar calls on fans to attend Turkish Super Cup final in Doha

By Ali Abo Rezeg and Enes Calli

ANKARA (AA) – Qatar’s ambassador to Turkey has called on Turkish fans to visit his country to attend the Turkish Super Cup final in Doha.

“We are very glad to host the Turkish Super Cup between Besiktas and Antalyaspor as this huge event comes amid Qatar’s active hosting of many important sporting events and tournaments,” said Sheikh Mohamed bin Nasser bin Jassim Al Thani in an exclusive interview with Anadolu Agency.

Defending league champions Besiktas and Turkish Cup finalist Fraport TAV Antalyaspor will vie to win the Turkish Super Cup at the Ahmed bin Ali Stadium on Jan. 5.

Al-Thani said the event highlights another field of rapprochement and cooperation between Qatar and Turkey.

Hosting the prestigious Turkish event comes after the Gulf country successfully organized the FIFA Arab Cup, where Algeria lifted the trophy by beating Tunisia 2-0 in the final.

The 2021 FIFA Arab Cup was held in Qatar from Nov. 30 to Dec. 18, becoming the first edition of the tournament under FIFA's jurisdiction.

“Qatar managed to organize an impressive tournament during the Arab Cup. We saw it as a successful experience for the World Cup in 2022, given the huge preparations we made in this regard,” Al-Thani said.

Al-Thani said FIFA’s approval of the Arab Cup as an official tournament under its umbrella proves nothing but “Doha’s success.”

“What we noticed during the Arab Cup is that the sport brings people together and closer. It also end differences among peoples thanks to the distinguished moments they spend during the competition,” he said, adding “this goal comes in line with the regional and international role Qatar is known for.”

- Qatar promises ‘impressive, unforgettable World Cup’

Al-Thani also noted that the 2022 World Cup will be “unforgettable.”

“We promise the entire world an impressive and unforgettable World Cup. Qatar has repeatedly proven its capability to host enormous sporting events,” he said.

He said they view the coming World Cup tournament as a “unique opportunity” to introduce the Arab region, its culture, heritage and social fabric in the best possible way.

As for hosting the World Cup in the winter, Al-Thani said “winter in Qatar is the most wonderful and pleasant season. We assure the fans and football lovers that the beautiful weather we have in the winter suits the high level of enthusiasm they have.”

The 2022 World Cup in Qatar is scheduled to be held from Nov. 21 to Dec. 18.

It will be the first World Cup to take place in mid-season.

- Cooperation in sports with Turkey

Regarding the cooperation between Qatar and Turkey in sports, Al-Thani said his country is already cooperating with Turkey on all levels.

“Qatari-Turkish relations are very distinguished in various fields, and sports is one of the many common areas of cooperation,” he said.

“Thanks to the Turkish firms, Turkey has been there helping in the preparations for the World Cup since the very beginning.”

He added that the two countries are also cooperating in the training for the security and safety of the sporting event.

Al-Thani asserted that sport is the best means for bringing people together, “let alone the brotherly Turkish people, for whom we have all the respect and love.”