FIFA chief confident of packed stadiums for 2022 World Cup

Geneva: FIFA President Gianni Infantino is confident that the 2022 World Cup in Qatar will be played in packed stadiums.

At a virtual press conference held in Geneva, the FIFA said, "I am very, very confident (it) will be incredible, will have the same magic, uniting the world. We will be back to where we have to be."

The World Cup is scheduled to be held between November 21 and December 18, next year.

In the light of Covid-19 pandemic and the widespread restrictions in people's movements and gatherings all over the world, there have been apprehensions if teh curbs would hamper the preparations for the World Cup of 2022.

The host country Qatar too has been sparing no effort to ensure that the tournament, and preparations for it, all go on course for the big thing the small peninsula in the Gulf has been looking forward to ever since it was awarded to it back in 2012.

In relation to the Covid vaccine and the preventive efforts, Infantino also announced that FIFA is working with the World Health Organisation in their campaign for fair access to Covid-19 vaccines, treatments and diagnostics.

"We all have to play our part in the battle against the coronavirus. We are also calling on the international community to act together to ensure a level playing field in relation to access to vaccines, treatments and diagnostic tests across the globe," Infantino said.