Iran Announces It Will Assist Qatar In Preparing For The 2022 World Cup

The President of Iran, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, has promised to help Qatar in the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

The news comes after he congratulated Emir Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani of Qatar for its successful bid for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

He stated (in a telephone conversation with the Qatari Emir) that the awarding of the 2022 FIFA World Cup was a positive "occurrence" in the world of sports.

Mr. Ahmadinejad continued to talk about the growing opportunities for Middle Eastern (including the Persian Gulf) countries.

The plans for the stadiums are expected to cost three billion dollars and will include air conditioning to protect the spectators from excessive heat.

The temperatures in Qatar tend to reach 40 degrees Celsius while the air conditioning within the stadium guarantees 27 degrees.

While Iran and Qatar appear to be happy with the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Ken Early commented on how FIFA chose the "most problematic bids."

The host of "Newstalk" who participates in "Off The Ball" (another sports program) made the comments in an interview with Press TV.

In other football news, FC Barcelona has signed a $218 million deal with the Qatar Foundation. The club from Catalonia/Spain will receive $19.7 million for the second half of the current Spanish League season.

It will also receive $39.5 million for each of the following five seasons and $6.5 million in bonuses if there is a title win.

As Qatar appears to be flexing its financial muscles in soccer, it remains to be seen what will transpire in 2022.