H.E. Sheikh Salman Bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa, the President of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), sees the opening of Khalifa International Stadium for the Emir Cup final on Friday as an important step showcasing Qatar's readiness to host the first FIFA World Cup™ in the Middle East.

Speaking exclusively to www.sc.qa he said: "We admire and appreciate the huge efforts deployed by our brothers in the State of Qatar to speed up the preparation for hosting the FIFA World Cup Finals. We see in this occasion of reopening the Khalifa International Stadium a confirmation of the work in getting the stadium ready to host the this prestigious event."

"Opening the Khalifa International Stadium five years before the start of the World Cup represents a strong indication of the strong will and determination of the concerned authorities in Qatar. It also sends a clear and very important message about the willingness to get all the stadiums ready long before the start of the competition," added the continental football chief.

The AFC President also praised the upgrading and modernisation works which took place in Khalifa International Stadium and which are in line with the FIFA requirements and standards, increasing the seating capacity for spectators, providing cooling technology for the stadium, installing a roof over the stands and establishing an integrated sports museum which will become an attraction for football fans.

The President also reaffirmed the AFC's support for Qatar in its efforts to organize the best FIFA World Cup™ tournament in the history of the competition: "Qatar's expected success in organising this event will be a success for the entire Asian continent, and will send a message to the world about Asia's passion for the game."