Goal.com

19 Mar 2013 10:05:14 AM

Clifford Chance has been appointed by the Supreme Committee for Qatar 2022 as an advisor to its technical programme, with the international law firm set to offer its expertise gained on a number of projects in the lead-up to the country’s staging of the FIFA World Cup.

Clifford Chance has been appointed by the Supreme Committee for Qatar 2022 as an advisor to its technical programme, with the international law firm set to offer its expertise gained on a number of projects in the lead-up to the country’s staging of the FIFA World Cup.

One of the firm’s key responsibilities will be assisting the local organising committee in developing its main stadium, the Lusail Iconic Stadium, which is set to boast a capacity of over 85,000. In addition, Clifford Chance will advise on procurement and develop of infrastructure as the country prepares to host the tournament for the first time. Qatar’s spending on the World Cup is set to increase to US$115 billion between now and 2022, according to a study published by Standard Chartered this week.

“We are delighted that Clifford Chance has won the first of a number of major legal advisory mandates that will be tendered over the coming months,” said general counsel for the Supreme Committee, Andrew Longmate. “The 2022 FIFA World Cup is a prestigious and high profile event. It is essential that we work with suppliers who are the best in class and can deliver a quality service.”

The firm is no stranger to procurement for major sporting events, having previously worked on a number of projects in the sporting world. It worked on development and infrastructure projects for the 2012 London Olympics and Poland’s staging of UEFA Euro 2012, as well as advising on major stadia such as Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge and Spartak Stadium in Moscow. “We are delighted to have been appointed by the Supreme Committee on this landmark infrastructure programme for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and we are excited to be working on a project of this magnitude,” said Richard Parris, Clifford Chance’s managing partner in its Doha office. “It is also a privilege to be working on a high profile project such as the Iconic Stadium, which will set the benchmark for stadium development.”