Moscow: As soon as referee Nestor Pitana blew the final whistle and the trophy was lifted by Frances Hugo Lloris, the fireworks lighting up the Luzhniki Stadium announced an epic end to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia, and the beginning of a unique journey to Qatar.

The hosts of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, who have been actively working on preparations for the event since 2011, are getting ready to take the World Cup centre stage.

Over the past six weeks, 180 professionals appointed by Qatar’s Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) have been shadowing and observing the 2018 FIFA World Cup operation in the 11 host cities. On top of that, more than 30,000 football fans have already visited the activations managed by the SC in Moscow and Saint Petersburg, and been given a taste of the atmosphere they can expect in 2022.

The next four years were also discussed in a meeting held on Friday between FIFA President, Gianni Infantino, and the SC’s Managing Director,  H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al  Thani.

Infantino said, “We work very closely with Qatar 2022, and the experience here in Russia made the bonds even stronger. The shadowing programme provided a fantastic opportunity to share knowledge and exchange experience. “Qatar’s public interactions in Moscow and Saint Petersburg have ignited excitement among the global football community and the reaction has been fantastic, with fans and the general public very keen to engage with Qatari culture and heritage. The activities showcase the fact that Qatar will host a unique tournament  one that is compact, welcoming to all and family-friendly.”

SC Secretary General Hassan Al Thawadi said: “This has been an unparalleled learning opportunity for everyone involved in the preparations for Qatar 2022. We’ve also had the pleasure of interacting with football fans from all over the world and given them an idea of the kind of hospitality they can expect in four years’ time.”

Al Thawadi added: “We congratulate Russia on hosting a memorable World Cup and look forward to following this success in 2022 with another fantastic experience for football fans everywhere.”