Governing Bodies
FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Official Countdown Clock unveiled
The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Official Countdown Clock, powered by Hublot, was unveiled on Sunday 21 November at Doha’s picturesque Corniche Fishing Spot, marking one year to go to the big kick-off.
The striking timepiece was revealed to fans worldwide who tuned in live to ‘Join the Beat’ via FIFA’s YouTube channel and Qatar2022.qa, and begin the one-year countdown in unison with 150 guests at the special event in Qatar.
The elegant curves of the Countdown Clock were inspired by the unbroken loop of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ emblem and the ancient timekeeping tool of the hourglass, both reflecting the interconnected nature of the event. The structure is designed to be seen from any angle and reflect the amazing view of the city skyline behind it.
The Countdown Clock will drive anticipation as it ticks down through every hour, minute and second to the opening game at Al Bayt Stadium on Monday 21 November 2022.
In addition to the reveal, special guests including Hublot Friend of the Brand and FIFA World Cup 1998™ winner Marcel Desailly, Sami Trabelsi, head coach of Qatar Stars League’s Al-Sailiya and Adel Khamis, Qatar Legacy Ambassador, took the stage under a sky filled with captivating aerial drone displays and digital fireworks.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said: “I’ve been involved in the organisation of sports events for the past few decades, I’ve never witnessed anything like what is happening here. Everything is ready, the venues will be fantastic. The experience for the fans will be great.
“The world will discover a country and a whole region. Qatar, the Gulf region, the Middle East, the Arab world. A place where people meet and come together. This is what football is all about, this is about what this part of the world and its culture is all about, and the world will realise that.”
peaking at the event, H.E. Hassan Al Thawadi, Secretary General of the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy, said: “We are thrilled to unveil the Official Countdown Clock on the same day we come together to celebrate the one year to go milestone.”
“The unveiling of the Countdown Clock is a special moment for Qatar as a host country, as we enter the final straight on the way to delivering a transformative tournament with a lasting legacy – the first FIFA World Cup in the Middle East and Arab world,” he added.
Hublot CEO Ricardo Guadalupe said: “Having served as the Official Timekeeper for the FIFA World Cup since the 2010 edition, Hublot is well aware of the significance of marking one year to go on the journey to the greatest football show on Earth.
“With football fans worldwide coming together to Join the Beat of a Hublot timepiece and celebrate the start of the final countdown, this was a chance for the global football family to share a snapshot of the excitement ahead of this momentous World Cup.”
The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ will take place from 21 November to 18 December in eight magnificent stadiums across Qatar, with main contractor works on Lusail Stadium – the 80,000-capacity venue for next year’s final – having been completed.
The president of the Confédération of African Football, Dr. Patrice Motsepe, has announced five new CAF Vice Presidents. They are:
- CAF First Vice President: Mr Fouzi Lekjaa (Morocco)
- CAF Second Vice President: Mr Kurt Okraku (Ghana)
- CAF Third Vice President: Mr Pierre-Alain Mounguengui (Gabon)
- CAF Fourth Vice President: Ms Bestine Kazadi Ditabala (Democratic Republic of Congo)
- CAF Fifth Vice President: Mr Feizal Sidat (Mozambique)
In addition, the CAF President has co-opted Yacine Idriss Diallo, President of Fédération Ivoirienne de football, into the CAF Executive Committee.
The CAF Executive Committee also approved the names to fill vacant positions on several CAF Committees.
Organising Committee for the African Nations Championship (CHAN)
- President: Pierre-Alain Mounguengui (Gabon)
CAF Technical and Development Committee
- President: Samuel Eto’o (Cameroon)
- Vice President: Malouche Belhassen (Tunisia)
CAF Medical Committee:
- President: Dr. Mohammed Bouya (Mauritania)
- Vice President: Dr. Thulani Ngwenya (South Africa)
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Governing Bodies
Nigeria becoming an epicentre of global badminton as Francis Orbih enters the Badminton World Federation Council
Laurels on the courts and now glory in the boardroom sums up the mark that badminton is making in Nigeria.
The President, Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN), Francis Orbih, has been elected as a council member of the Badminton World Federation (BWF).
The election took place during the BWF Annual General Meeting on Saturday in Xiamen, China.
Orbih emerged victorious over top contenders from other African countries.
He will join Cameroon’s Odette Assembe Engoulou on the council, while Chipo Zumburani (Zimbabwe) and Hadia ElSaid (Egypt) missed out.
An elated Orbih expressed his gratitude to fellow badminton presidents across the globe for their trust and support.
He said, “I am deeply honoured by the trust placed in me by my peers across the badminton world.
“I look forward to quality representation, driving development initiatives, and strengthening badminton’s global reach over the next four years.”
Orbih also acknowledged the support of the Federal Government of Nigeria, particularly the National Sports Commission (NSC), which he said played a significant role in his successful bid.
“The Chairman and the Director General of the NSC monitored the entire process. I’m grateful for their involvement and confident Nigeria will benefit from this,” he stated.
He further appreciated the BFN board members and the Nigerian badminton community for their prayers and continued belief in his leadership.
“From the day I declared my intentions, the board members of BFN have been supportive, and I promise not to disappoint them,” Orbih concluded.
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A former member of the FIFA Council, Mamoutou Toure, has been released from jail in Mali after almost two years in detention for alleged corruption, Malian media reports said on Wednesday.
Toure, president of the Malian Football Federation since 2019, was released after 622 days in prison on Tuesday.
He served on the FIFA Council, world football’s all-powerful decision-making body, for four years until last month when he lost his seat after failing to contest new elections.
The 67-year-old was arrested in August 2023 on allegations of embezzling $28 million of public funds but was granted a provisional release order by the Malian courts, reports said.
He was accused of misconduct during his time as the National Assembly’s financial and administrative director from 2013-2019.
Toure denied all charges and, during his time in jail, was last August re-elected as Malian Football Federation president for a second consecutive term, with his supporters claiming he was a victim of a conspiracy fuelled by detractors.
While in jail, he received a letter of support from FIFA president Gianni Infantino. However, as of last month, Toure is no longer a member of the FIFA Council or the Confederation of African Football’s executive committee.
-Reuters
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