Qatar 2022 announce Cameroon legend Roger Milla as Bid Ambassador

31/01/2010 17:59


Posted: 31-01-2010 , 08:33 GMT

The Qatar 2022 Bid Committee has announced African World Cup legend Roger Milla as Bid Ambassador. The former African Player of the Year played a starring role in Cameroon’s magnificent 1990 run to the World Cup quarterfinals, scoring 4 goals and achieving worldwide fame for his charismatic displays and corner flag celebratory dances at the age of 38.
“I am honoured to represent Qatar’s historic bid to host the World Cup finals in 2022. Having experienced the magic and passion of the World Cup finals on three occasions, I am delighted by the opportunity to help create something truly unique in the Middle East. With this year’s World Cup taking place in Africa for the first time ever, my continent is set to experience the fantastic football celebration and the growth in all areas of football and youth development that comes with it,” Milla said.
“I believe that in 2022 Qatar and the entire Middle East deserve the same opportunity to host the FIFA World Cup for the first time and show the world just how serious and passionate they are about the game. I will work with all my energy and passion to bring about this great goal.”
The announcement was made in Luanda, Angola, during a presentation by Qatar’s 2022 Bid CEO Hassan Abdulla Al Thawadi to members of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) on Friday at their annual Congress. During the presentation, a video was shown to the assembled delegates of Milla’s enthusiastic acceptance of his new role.
Al Thawadi expressed his delight at welcoming the legendary star of African and World football as a new Qatar 2022 Bid Ambassador. “We are honoured that a man who understands the huge impact a World Cup can have, and also shares our passion for bringing the World Cup to the Middle East for the first time, has agreed to become an ambassador for Qatar 2022, working with us in the campaign and symbolising the aspirations that we all hold so dear.”
Al Thawadi added: “With Roger we now have a wide range of highly charismatic and influential Qatar 2022 ambassadors from all corners of the globe, highlighting the fact that our bid represents a coming together of nations in our cosmopolitan country. We are sure he will provide us with fantastic ideas and input and help to show the world what a wonderful and passionate tournament we plan to organise in 2022.”
Milla, who represented Cameroon at the World Cup finals in 1982, 1990 and 1994, was included by Pelé in his list of 125 greatest living footballers. He made history when he scored a goal for Cameroon in the 1994 World Cup, becoming the oldest man to appear and score at the finals. Milla had four years previously enchanted the world with his fascinating blend of skill and strength, scoring four goals including two famous efforts in the second round triumph over Colombia. Cameroon reached the quarter-finals in the tournament before losing to England 3-2 in an epic tie in which Milla was one of the key figures. In 2006 he was chosen as the Best African Football player of the last century.