Like FIFA President Gianni Infantino, chief organizer Hassan al-Thawadi has declared the World Cup in Qatar to be the best in history.
"Yes, it's the best in history.
We learned from Russia, learned from South Africa, learned from Brazil and learned from Germany," said al-Thawadi after Sunday's thrilling final between Argentina and France (4-2 on penalties).
The head of the organizing committee emphasized that the desert World Cup during Advent was not a copy of one of the previous final tournaments.
Measured by the concept, it was a "unmistakable tournament" that "can never be compared with others".
Before and during the final round in Qatar, not only the postponement to winter, but also the human rights situation in the emirate and the conditions for guest workers were grounds for criticism from abroad.
Al-Thawadi deplores incidents surrounding the World Cup where fans have shown their support for the queer community by wearing rainbows on their clothing.
"Unfortunately, there were problems for some fans," al-Thawadi told British TV broadcaster Sky News on Sunday.
"I think at that point some of the security guys made a decision to see what was best, whether or not for fear of potential tensions in the stadium." Some spectators had to part with rainbow-print shirts or hats to gain entry to the stadium.
"Situation unacceptable"
Nevertheless, the World Cup boss was not dissatisfied: "I think it's important to emphasize that we have to find ways to respect the opinions of others and find a way to move forward.
And that is exactly what this World Cup has shown.”
The foreign workers who died were also a topic of conversation before the World Cup.
"Despite the best of intentions, the situation was not acceptable," said World Cup organizer al-Thawadi.
"The World Cup accelerated or helped to accelerate many of these reforms."
A workers' relief fund will be set up to take care of all matters related to unfortunate deaths, al Thawadi said.
This fund should also exist beyond the World Cup.
"It's a commitment that the Government and the Department have made and it goes beyond the World Cup."
Fund for workers to exist beyond WM
Unsurprisingly, al-Thawadi did not share the impression that the mood in Qatar was significantly less than at the previous World Cups.
The tournament was also “phenomenal” from the fan perspective.
As an example, he cited the euphoria surrounding the surprise team from Morocco, who were the first African team to reach a World Cup semi-final.
"The whole Arab world gathered behind Morocco and celebrated with us."
According to al-Thawadi, the main goal has been achieved: "To create the possibility for people from different parts of the world to come to us to get to know us - and then to judge us." There are still differences, but you share “a common passion”.
