The official unveiling took place in Qatar’s capital, Doha, at 20:22 local time, with thousands of spectators witnessing the synchronised projection of the emblem onto a number of the country’s most iconic buildings, including Burj Doha, Katara Cultural Village Amphitheatre, Ministry of Interior, Souq Waqif and Msheireb and Al Zubarah Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The AFC President said that the worldwide launch was an important symbolic step to demonstrate that the preparations are moving forward at speed towards hosting the first ever FIFA World Cup in West Asia.

Shaikh Salman hailed the great preparation work by the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy ahead of the official Emblem launch, saying that the initiative to show the Emblem in different countries reflected the global nature of the tournament.

World football's governing body said in a statement that "following a thorough and comprehensive consultation process with the involvement of all the relevant stakeholders, it was concluded that under the current circumstances such a proposal could not be made now".

"(The tournament) will therefore remain as originally planned with 32 teams and no proposal will be submitted at the next FIFA Congress on 5 June," FIFA added.

The statement said that the study "concluded that due to the advanced stage of preparations and the need for a detailed assessment of the potential logistical impact on the host country, more time would be required and a decision could not be taken before the deadline of June."

The ground, designed by late British-Iraqi architect Zaha Hadid and located in a coastal town south of Doha, erupted into cheers as Amir Cup finalists Al Sadd and Al Duhail ran onto the pitch.

Amir of Qatar His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani tweeted on his verified account ahead of kick-off that the ground's name would be changed to "Al Janoub Stadium" meaning "stadium of the south".

Also in attendance was FIFA President Gianni Infantino and former stars like Ruud Gullit of the Netherlands, Brazilian Roberto Carlos and Samuel Eto'o of Cameroon.

The futuristic 40,000 capacity arena, which is inspired by dhow boats, is nearing completion. It was also reported that the pitch was laid in record time - nine hours and 15 minutes.

The elegant stadium will also host 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar matches through to the quarter-finals.

FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 LLC is a limited liability company incorporated by FIFA, which holds 51 percent of the shares, and the Qatar 2022 Local Organising Committee, which holds 49 percent, at the Qatar Financial Centre.

"Today we take a major step in the organisation of the biggest single-sport event in the world," said FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura, who is part of the nine-member management board that met for the first time today.

"Created in accordance with the FIFA President’s vision and together with our Qatari counterparts, the joint venture aims to reorganise the way we work at the operational front and avoid inefficiencies. I am convinced that this new approach to planning, delivery and legacy, always hand in hand with our colleagues based in Qatar, will help to ensure that the World Cup continues to be the most eagerly awaited event by billions of fans worldwide."

The 80,000-seat Lusail Stadium - also the venue for the 2022 World Cup final - was revealed in an elaborate ceremony attended by Qatar's Ruler Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and other dignitaries, including the United Nations' secretary-general, Antonio Guterres.

His Excellency Hassan Al Thawadi, the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy Secretary General, called the unveiling a "significant milestone".