Football: Rummenigge gushes over Qatar WC preparations

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(Globalpost/GlobalPost)

German footballing legend and president of the European Club Association, Karl-Heinze Rummenigge, said in Doha on Wednesday that the 2022 World Cup, set to be held in Qatar for the first time, will be a rousing success.

"After seeing the presentation yesterday, and what is probably the best pitch I have ever seen in my life, the pitch on which the match between Spain and Uruguay will be held tonight (Wednesday), we have a very good feeling about the organisation and the infrastructure for the 2022 World Cup," said the 1986 World Cup finalist.

The 57-year-old who spent ten years at Bayern Munich and was twice European player of the year (1980, 1981), also revealed that a decision had yet to be made on exactly when the tournament would be held, bearing in mind the sweltering summer temperatures in Qatar.

"We feel responsibility towards our players, and I would probably say that the only question that we can't respond to is when the 2022 World Cup will begin," said the former striker who put away 45 goals in 95 matches for the Mannschaft between 1976 and 1986.

"We know that the discussion regarding the summer conditions such as climate and humidity is a lively topic, but we can't say anything today, because these discussions have to be opened first by FIFA (world governing body)," added the Bayern Munich president.

"Our impression, is that Qatar are not just able to organise the competition, but we have the impression that the world can expect a really fantastic World Cup, because of the stadiums, the hotels and the infrastructure, so we have a very positive impression"

"We are aware about the fact that UEFA president Michel Platini has declared that we should be open to the idea of changing the dates from summer to winter or maybe autumn" he added.

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http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/afp/130206/football-rummenigge-gushes-over-qatar-wc-preparations