Arabic is now Fifa's fifth official language. Picture - supplied.
Today marks the United Nations’ World Arabic Language Day, and the language of soccer is about to receive an addition.
Arabic has been proposed as the fifth official Fifa language, ahead of the inaugural Fifa Arab Cup Qatar 2021. urrently, there are four Fifa languages: English, French, German and Spanish.
“In recognition of the importance of the Arabic language, which is spoken not only by the 450 million people that live in the more than 20 Arabic-speaking countries but also by millions of Arabs worldwide, the Fifa President will propose that Arabic becomes an official language of FIFA,” said the global soccer body in a statement.
Fifa President, Gianni Infantino’s proposal stems from long-term discussions with stakeholders in Qatar and those across the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region.
It also coincides with the conclusion of the Fifa Arab Cup. The Fifa Arab Cup consists of 16 teams from across the Arab world coming together to compete.
Infantino has thrown his support behind Egypt to host the 2030 Fifa World Cup. The country’s official language is modern Arabic.
If they win the bid to host the 2030 cup, the North African country would become the second-ever nation from Africa to host the games after South Africa in 2010.
Egypt seems keen to team up with its Moroccan neighbours in a joint bid for the 2030 mega-event.
Infantino said there is widespread interest for an Arab nation to host the next cup after the success in Qatar.
(Compiled by Narissa Subramoney)
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