The New York Times – Sports:
Qatar paid David Beckham tens of millions of dollars to promote the country and its interests. To its frustration, it has not received much return on the investment.
Category: International Federation of Association Football (FIFA)
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When World Cup Reality Isn’t What It Seems
The New York Times – Sports:
In Qatar, where the line between the artificial and the authentic has blurred or evaporated, it was the people, as always, who defined the tournament.
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How Qatar Keeps Its World Cup Stadiums Cool Enough for Everyone
The New York Times – Sports:
A mechanical engineer at Qatar University used giant tanks of cold water to create a cooling system in one of the hottest places on the planet.
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The Pundit Whisperer
The New York Times – Sports:
Qatar’s beIN Sports hired a host of retired soccer stars to bring authority to its World Cup coverage and a group of interpreters to render their words into Arabic. The toughest assignments go to one man.
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Pouring Through a Crisis: How Budweiser Salvaged Its World Cup
The New York Times – Sports:
Taken by surprise by Qatar’s decision to ban beer at stadiums, the company remade its marketing strategy in real time.
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What Happened to the Qatar Women’s National Team?
The New York Times – Sports:
A squad that featured in the host nation’s bid to host the World Cup in 2010 hasn’t played a game in eight years.
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Waving the Palestinian Flag, Celebrating the World Cup’s Unofficial Team
The New York Times – Sports:
Arab fans and Arab teams have been using the tournament’s global stage to elevate the Palestinian cause in the stands and on the field.
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As the World Focuses on Soccer, a Women’s Team in Exile Aches to Play
The New York Times – Sports:
The Afghan women’s national team fled to Australia when the Taliban took over. FIFA, yielding to Afghanistan’s soccer federation, no longer recognizes the team.
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Twists and Turns: A World Cup Fitness Coach Explains Pregame Warm-Ups
The New York Times – Sports:
In the final hour before a game, teams’ activities can look as random as recess at the local elementary school. But there is order in the chaos.