Doha, 6 October 2023 - With less than 100 days to go until Qatar hosts the AFC Asian Cup which will be held in Qatar for the second time, the organizing committee of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 has officially launched the tournament's Volunteer Program.
The event will take place from January 12 to February 10, 2024.
This was announced during a press conference held at the Lusail Stadium, which will be the main center for volunteer operations in the tournament, and was attended by a number of officials from the local organizing committee and a group of local and continental media.
CEO of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 Local Organizing Committee Jassim Al Jassim said the launch of the Volunteer Program marks an important milestone for tournament organizers. About 6,000 volunteers will be recruited from inside Qatar to offer support across twenty functional areas, he added.
With nearly a year have passed since the end of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 competitions and the amazing successes achieved in organizing a historic edition, we are living the legacy at the present time, Al Jassim said in remarks today.
"No major sporting event can happen without the active participation of volunteers who are the backbone of any major sporting event," said the CEO. "The success of the Asian Cup will rely greatly on the tremendous skill set, enthusiasm and diversity that our volunteers will bring to the tournament."
All volunteers who will join the work team have previous experience through their participation in several major tournaments organized by Qatar, most notably the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and the Arab Cup in 2021, added Al Jassim. "We are deeply grateful and excited to welcome this volunteer team to the center of our operations." With the opening of applications to participate in the program, the specified number will be selected during the coming weeks in order for all volunteers to attend a training program for the tournament's operations, Al Jassim explained.
LOC Administration and Workforce Executive Director Rasha Al Qarni said: "Building a vibrant volunteer culture is one of the pillars behind our work, and we want to continue building on the tremendous success of the FIFA World Cup Volunteer Program." Faisal Al Ibrahim, 35 years old, has been volunteering at major events in Qatar for over 10 years. For Al-Ibrahim, volunteering provides him with a transformative life experience.
"I look forward to being a volunteer during the Asian Cup," said Al brahim. "Being involved in such a large event with others enables me to collaborate with people from different backgrounds and, most importantly, helps my country deliver yet another amazing event."
Al Ibrahim added: "I encourage everyone who wants to give back to Qatar to register their interest as a volunteer for the Asian Cup. Our contributions to the tournament begin at the smallest level, from the most basic human interactions to supporting the event's many logistical needs. It will surely be a life changing experience for anyone involved."
The volunteer recruitment center will be located at Lusail Stadium. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to the iconic stadium for face-to-face group interviews.
Once selected, applicants will go through a multifaceted training program.
This is followed by uniform distribution and beginning of their shifts, with some roles starting as early as December 1, 2023. Volunteers will play an important role in different areas including spectator services, accreditation and media operations.
Over 35,000 volunteers actively played a role in the delivery of the FIFA Club World Cup in 2019 and 2020, the FIFA Arab Cup 2021, the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, several editions of the Amir Cup and many other national events.
