Hong is fully aware of the benefits of hosting a FIFA World Cup on home soil after leading his nation to the semi-finals in 2002, and winning the Bronze Ball in the process as the tournament’s third best player. Now the CEO of the Korean Football Association, Hong is proud that Qatar will host the continent’s second FIFA World Cup in five years’ time. When speaking to www.sc.qa during the recent AFC Annual Awards in Bangkok, Hong said the 22nd edition of the tournament could boost both economic and football development in Qatar and the region. “The KFA are proud of Qatar hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup,” said Hong, who coached his national team to a bronze medal at the 2012 Olympics. “The whole of Asia must get behind Qatar. Hosting the World Cup is likely to do wonders to Qatar’s economy, as well as fast-track its development as a football nation.”
