Meet The People of The FIFA Arab Cup™ (Oman Edition - Part 2)

‎ 15 December 2021

Storyteller: Faisal Balushi

Can you introduce yourself and tell us about your football life?

My name’s Faisal Balushi, and I’m from Muscat in the Sultanate of Oman. I have loved football ever since I was young and saw the game being played on the beaches and in green spaces where I live. I’ve actually been playing football for nearly 20 years as a striker and was a player for Al-Shabab SC before starting a supporter group for the Club.

I’m so dedicated to the sport that the Oman Football Association chose me as a Fan Leader for the Oman National Team. So now I travel regularly to watch and support the Omani football team and I’m constantly in touch with all the Oman supporter clubs. I have been a motivator for the fans of the Sultanate for nearly seven years and always encourage the Omani fans to attend matches to support their clubs, as well as the national team.

How was your experience in Qatar for the FIFA Arab Cup?

Earlier this month, I went to Qatar to attend the FIFA Arab Cup™, learn about the Qatari culture and society, in addition to other Arabic cultures. My trip to Qatar was special and the stay was like a dream.

I visited so many places in Qatar which were all wonderful, but I definitely liked the design of Al Bayt Stadium and Stadium 974, two of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ stadiums. I also really enjoyed the desert safari experience and the Qatar National Museum a lot.

How was the experience of watching Oman play football live in another country? 

Exhilarating to say the least! I watched an Oman match, and I am proud that they played against the biggest teams in the Arab and African world. The atmosphere during the match was great, so exciting and full of enthusiasm. The performance of the Oman national team was world-class, and we were definitely a dark horse in the tournament.

Why is football important for Omanis and Omani society?

The football world in Oman is definitely evolving and on the rise, with new stadiums and a league for all age groups. I truly believe Oman can reach the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, and this is the dream of every Omani citizen.

There is a great love for Football here in the Sultanate of Oman. You see a lot more people playing this sport, and the clubs play a major role in developing the game. The Oman Football Association is also working very hard to achieve the same milestones of development for women’s football at a national level.

What does football mean to you? What ambitions do you have for the future?

Simply put, football is my life. I love it. My ambition is to be in Doha as a fan during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, and my dream is to be among the group who will be organising the FIFA World Cup™ for the fans who will be there.

I enjoy being an official Fan Leader. I do this because I want to instil a love for football and sports in everyone in my country. My ambition is to be an ambassador for the game and to represent my country in sports or cultural forums.

Are you looking forward to the World Cup in 2022?

I am happy that Qatar is hosting the FIFA World Cup™ next year, and this event will be a proud moment for all of us as Arabs. My message to the world is football brings us together and does not divide. Football is a message of peace... The FIFA World Cup™ is about love, peace, and friendship amongst nations. Let us all be together in this great event to advance the game and learn from one another.

For images, please click here.

This special series was created in collaboration between Qatar Airways and Goal Click.