Qatar, which can host this yr’s Football World Cup, has been beneath fireplace for its place on LGBTQ+ rights and use of “slave labour,” with voices elevating from many Western nations akin to Germany asking for a boycott of the upcoming occasion within the Arab nation. Qatar’s Foreign Minister, HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, has responded to the criticism by calling the opposing nations “arrogant” and “racists.”
Last month, Qatar had summoned the German ambassador over the issues raised by his nation over the alleged human rights violations in Qatar. Speaking to media, HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani accused Germany of ‘double standards’. He additionally reminded the folks that the European nations haven’t any downside with Qatar on the subject of vitality partnerships or investments.
“It is ironic when this tone is struck in countries in Europe that call themselves liberal democracies. It honestly sounds very arrogant and very racist,” the minister was quoted as saying to the German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung.
“It seems difficult for some to accept that a small country, a small Arab country, should be allowed to host the soccer World Cup. Racist clichés also keep cropping up. But that is not the case everywhere for a long time. There are fewer than ten countries from which such sharp criticism comes. The rest of the world is happy for us. 97 per cent of the tickets have already been sold. That is a clear sign.”
#MOFAQatar #Qatar2022 pic.twitter.com/FaizUhvsqp
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Qatar (@MofaQatar_EN) November 7, 2022
In an interview with Sky News, the minister additional lashed out on the critics and pro-LGBTQ activists and human proper watchers.
HE @MBA_AlThani_ in an interview with @SkyNews :Sports shouldn’t by no means be politicized.
What type of message they’re sending for their very own public if they’re simply criticizing & preaching from a distance? #MOFAQatar #Qatar2022 pic.twitter.com/n8hBvcuQ01
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Qatar (@MofaQatar_EN) November 7, 2022
“Preaching from a distance is not a solution. Calling to boycott the World Cup or those who are not coming to the World Cup, it’s their decision at the end of the day, but why to deprive the people and the public of attending and enjoying the World Cup,” stated Qatar’s overseas minister.
Meanwhile, in line with a ballot performed, a big majority of individuals in Britain assume the World Cup shouldn’t be held in Qatar due to its place on LGBTQ+ rights. According to the Guardian, 62% of British folks consider Qatar’s stance on gay rights ought to have been sufficient to disqualify it from internet hosting the occasion.
Qatar gained the suitable to host the summer time World Cup in December 2010 in opposition to all odds in 50 levels celsius temperature, earlier than FIFA moved the World Cup to winter for the primary time in historical past to guard gamers from that warmth. The event will now be held from twenty first November to 18th December within the small Arabian nation.
LGBTQ+ rights aren’t the one downside with Qatar internet hosting the World Cup, there have been some issues raised over using “slave labour” and poor working circumstances within the Gulf state. Thousands have reportedly died whereas engaged on the infrastructure for the World Cup on account of poor working circumstances.
However, the soccer governing physique FIFA, which has banned Russia for the Ukrainian invasion, has chosen to miss all these human rights abuses. In a current press assertion, FIFA had requested collaborating groups to deal with the sport and to not drag the sport into problems with politics and beliefs.