Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Pep Guardiola to Qatar: Bayern Munich coach could lead hosts at 2022 World Cup

German newspaper Bild report Guardiola could take charge ahead of controversial tournament

Tom Sheen
Wednesday 04 February 2015 12:24 GMT
Comments

Bayern Munich head coach Pep Guardiola could take charge of hosts Qatar at the controversial 2022 World Cup.

German newspaper Bild ran a front-page story on Wednesday that declared the Spaniard could be tempted by a huge offer to lead the hosts at the tournament.

Guardiola, 44, has just 18 months left on the three-year deal he signed at the Allianz Arena in 2013 and is yet to sign a new one.

The former Barcelona player and coach has strong links with the Gulf state having played two years in the country with Al-Ahli at the end of his career. Guardiola is also believed to have played a part in Qatar's lucrative shirt sponsorship with Barcelona and was an ambassador for their successful World Cup bid.

Guardiola talks to Arjen Robben at their winter training camp in Doha

Bayern Munich spent their recent winter break in Doha for a fifth successive season and last month said he was confident the tournament would be a huge success in the tiny country.

"The people in Qatar have to help the country to make the event the best that is possible. The world will be watching and I hope the people here can help out to show the world that they are capable of hosting the biggest event in football," he said.

"Fifa has always tried to look for new areas to promote the sport. They went to South Africa in 2010 and in 2022 they have decided to come here. It’s a good step to come to this part of the world. It will help the rest of the world to know this part. Football at the end is a great opportunity to meet different cultures."

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in