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Qatar may change dismantling plans for World Cup stadiums

By Pramod Kumar
Qatar Stadium 974 Fifa
The dismantling of Stadium 974 (previously called Ras Abu Aboud Stadium) will take nearly 12 months

With plans to bid to host more major events, such as the Olympics, Qatar may alter its plans to dismantle its stadiums after the World Cup, the Qatar Tribune reported, citing Mohamed Nabeel Al Atwaan, FM director, Stadium 974 Operations at the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy.

The dismantling of Stadium 974 (previously called Ras Abu Aboud Stadium) will take nearly 12 months, the official said, adding there are several international interests for the demountable stadium.

The final decision has not been made, and discussions with FIFA and the government are ongoing, with plans to reach a firm decision after the World Cup, Al Atwaan said.

The legacy plans may change as Qatar bids for tournaments such as the AFC Asian Cup 2023. 

Qatar won the bid to host the 2030 Asian Games, so it is not yet decided when the dismantling process will begin, he added.

The unique 40,000-seat Stadium 974 was designed and built with 974 recycled shipping containers. The materials produced will then be reused in other construction projects in less-developed countries. 

The site will be repurposed as a waterfront development, making it the first temporary venue in World Cup history.

Stadium 974 will host six group matches and a round of 16 matches, with Mexico and Poland set to play the first game on November 22.

The official said that Lusail Stadium, which will host the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 final and other matches, will be converted into a non-sporting facility, with several components suitable for the Lusail City master plan.

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