Qatar’s emir has formed a new committee to work closely with Fifa, football’s governing body, to ensure the country meets its obligations for hosting the World Cup in 2022.

Under a new decree issued by Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani, the name of the Qatar 2022 Supreme Committee has been changed to the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy, while a further decree orders the restructuring of the board of directors.

“The formation of the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy and the restructuring of the board aim to create the best conditions to host the world’s greatest sporting event, to catalyse development across all sectors in the state and to solidify the emphasis the government is placing on legacy for the 2022 Fifa World Cup,” said Hassan al-Thawadi, secretary-general of the committee.

Until now, the Qatar 2022 Supreme Committee has undertaken the operational preparations for the tournament, according to a statement from the newly formed committee.

“With 2014 being a significant year for the delivery of stadium and infrastructure schemes in Qatar, it is a natural juncture to separate the roles of delivery and legacy from the tournament operations and hosting experience for fans and players during the World Cup,” the statement added.

The new committee will focus on building tournament venues and projects, coordinating with local stakeholders and ensuring a lasting legacy far beyond the 2022 World Cup, in line with Qatar’s National Vision 2030.

All existing contracts with the Qatar 2022 Supreme Committee will be automatically transferred to the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy.

“This year is an important one for us as we begin to see five stadiums reach different stages of construction in Qatar,” said Al-Thawadi. “The activation of the local organising committee (LOC) is a further key milestone for us. As we focus on delivery and the legacy of venues, the LOC will be working closely with Fifa, as well as undertaking all event planning, operational planning and making sure all commitments in relation to the hosting agreement are fulfilled.”

Qatar has received a barrage of criticism in recent months regarding its plans to host the World Cup pertaining to concerns about holding the games in the searing heat and about the working conditions faced by labourers building the stadiums.