Qatar Invests £100,000 into Sheffield FC, World's Oldest Team

The world's oldest football club, Sheffield FC, are receiving £100,000 from Qatar, hosts of the 2022 World Cup.

According to Rob Harris of the Associated Press, the country are "eager to be associated with the pioneers of football."  

Indeed, Qatar's choice as the host nation for the 2022 World Cup has caused a great deal of controversy for many reasons, one of which being that a small country with virtually no history in football was chosen ahead of the likes of Australia, where the sport is rapidly growing in popularity.

Therefore, as Harris notes, the investment could be a publicity stunt designed to give the country some positive press ahead of the tournament.

However, per Harris, Sheffield FC chairman Richard Tims said: "This is not about Qatar muscling in. This is about having a catalyst that makes everyone sit up and take note ... a partnership between the new kids on the block and the world's first football club protecting the heritage of football."

Sports journalist Barny Read believes the move will benefit the 158-year-old club, regardless of Qatar's intent:

The club is currently seven tiers below the Premier League, while Sheffield Ladies are in the division below the Women's Super League.

With the Qatari investment now filling their coffers, the men's and the women's sides now have renewed hope of climbing the football ladder from their impressive financial platform.