The Lebanon national football team received a grand welcome during a visit to the Lebanese pavilion at "Expo Qatar," led by the Minister of Youth and Sports, Dr. George Klass, along with the commissioners at the Lebanese pavilion, Dr. Mohamed Abou Haidar, Director General of the Ministry of Economy, and Engineer Louis Lahoud, Director General of the Ministry of Agriculture.
This visit, which the Lebanese embassy had scheduled and invited prior to the start of the Asian Cup finals, witnessed a significant response from the Lebanese community in the Qatari capital, Doha, who gathered to cheer for the team and support it, affirming their backing regardless of the outcomes in the Asian championship, in which they are competing among the top 24 teams in the largest continent in the world.
The team toured with organizers and members from the embassy through some corridors of the Expo before arriving at the Lebanese pavilion, where Minister Klass appeared deeply moved by the presence of both young and old Lebanese players, expressing pride in what his compatriots have accomplished in Qatar and other Arab countries. "But it is natural for me to be touched as a father, a citizen, and a responsible person by the presence of all these Lebanese people here because I believe their true place is inside Lebanon, not in exile," he said. He added, "There are generations born here who do not know Lebanon well, but they should not have to be here or anywhere else in the world."
Klass commented on the team's presence at the Expo after watching their opening match against Qatar at the Lusail Stadium, stating, "The Lebanon national team represents all of Lebanon, with its politicians and history, every child and their families. The spirit of belonging today manifests a love for sports that transcends sectarian and political boundaries. Sports and human relationships are above all considerations, and what happened during this visit is highly appreciated."
Meanwhile, Abou Haidar stated, "We seized the opportunity of our team being here in Qatar to attend the Expo, where there was a gathering of Lebanese fans yesterday to follow Lebanon's matches throughout the tournament. The opportunity exists to launch from the sports sector to advance economically, as we know how significant sports is in improving the growth of certain countries, and we hope that Lebanon will follow the lead of these countries through attractive sports initiatives and its championships that draw tourists, increase job opportunities, and further aid in the growth and development process."
At the end of the tour, a group of children presented a commemorative trophy to the team, received by captain Hassan Maatouk, before the audience took photos with the players and obtained their signatures amidst an exceptional atmosphere mixed with supportive national chants for the "Men of the Cedar."
