GENEVA: The WHO voiced confidence Tuesday that hosts Qatar would successfully manage the Covid-19 risks at the 2022 football World Cup.
There was no reason to think the pandemic risks would be higher at the November-December tournament than at other major events which have passed off safely, the World Health Organization’s emergencies director Michael Ryan said.
“Properly managed mass gatherings that have the proper planning can be run very safely,” he told a live interaction on the WHO’s Facebook page.
“We’ve been working very closely with the authorities in Qatar on that as WHO, and providing advice as needed to them on how to run a safe World Cup.
“The public health authorities in Qatar have been very engaged... on the public health risk management of the World Cup.
“Overall, the risks are being very carefully managed.”
Two million tickets will be sold in total, with another one million reserved for sponsors and the sport’s global governing body FIFA.
The Qatari capital Doha, with a population of about 2.4 million, is bracing itself for the huge influx of visitors.
“I don’t perceive there’s any more risk with the World Cup than there’s been with any other mass gatherings,” said Ryan.
“I have every faith that they will be able to run a successful World Cup and that it will be a spectacle for the world to enjoy.”
The 32-team tournament — set to be the most geographically-concentrated World Cup in history — kicks off on November 21.
WHO: Qatar World Cup pandemic risks being well run
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WHO: Qatar World Cup pandemic risks being well run
- There was no reason to think the pandemic risks would be higher at the November-December tournament, WHO's emergencies director said
- Overall, the risks are being very carefully managed
Australia injury woes continue with skipper Marsh ruled out of World Cup opener
- Former captain Steve Smith will join squad in Sri Lanka as cover while Travis Head captains team
- Marsh sustained direct blow to the groin during training earlier this week, Cricket Australia says
Australia captain Mitchell Marsh will miss the opening game of their Twenty20 World Cup campaign against Ireland on Wednesday with a groin injury, Cricket Australia (CA) said.
Steve Smith will now join the squad in Sri Lanka as cover, with fellow batsman Travis Head captaining the side at Colombo’s R Premadasa Stadium and Matthew Renshaw coming into the team.
Marsh sustained a direct blow to the groin during training earlier this week and is experiencing pain and discomfort which is restricting his movement, the board added.
“Scans have confirmed internal testicular bleeding, and he will require a period of rest and rehabilitation. His return to play will be guided by symptom resolution and medical advice,” CA said in a statement.
Head said at the toss later that Marsh was unlucky to miss out and appeared to play down the seriousness of the injury. He did not give a timeline for his teammate’s return.
“Unfortunately Mitchie Marsh has copped a blow at training a couple of days ago and no one has been willing to massage it out for him,” Head joked after winning the toss and opting to bat.
“He’s the unfortunate one but the rest (of the side) is the same. It’s nice to have a couple of boys back from the Pakistan series. Strong team and we’re looking forward to going well.”
Australia are also without fast bowler Pat Cummins, who was ruled out of the event after failing to recover from a niggling back injury. Fellow seamer Josh Hazlewood lost a race to be fit after Achilles and hamstring injuries.
Mitchell Starc has quit the format, leaving them without their top quick bowlers.
The big-hitting Tim David was also ruled out of the first game as he returns from a hamstring strain.
The 2021 champions take on Zimbabwe in their second match on Friday.
