DOHA: Qatar has been hit by an “unprecedented campaign” of criticism over preparations for the FIFA World Cup, its leader Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani said on Tuesday, calling the attacks “defamation”.
“Since winning the honor of hosting the World Cup, Qatar has been subjected to an unprecedented campaign that no host country has faced,” the Emir said in a speech.
FIFA awarded the World Cup to Qatar in 2010 and has since spent tens of billions of dollars on the preparations.
But the energy rich gulf The state has come under constant scrutiny for its treatment of foreign workers as well as LGBTQ and women’s rights.
“We initially handled the matter in good faith, and even considered some criticisms to be positive and useful, helping us to develop aspects that need to be developed,” the emir told Qatar’s legislative council.
“But it soon became clear to us that the campaign continues, expands and includes defamation and double standards, until it reaches a level of ferocity that has left many wondering, unfortunately, on the real reasons and motivations behind this campaign,” he said.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said that Qatar World Cupthe first in an Arab country, will be the “best of all time”.
“Since winning the honor of hosting the World Cup, Qatar has been subjected to an unprecedented campaign that no host country has faced,” the Emir said in a speech.
FIFA awarded the World Cup to Qatar in 2010 and has since spent tens of billions of dollars on the preparations.
But the energy rich gulf The state has come under constant scrutiny for its treatment of foreign workers as well as LGBTQ and women’s rights.
“We initially handled the matter in good faith, and even considered some criticisms to be positive and useful, helping us to develop aspects that need to be developed,” the emir told Qatar’s legislative council.
“But it soon became clear to us that the campaign continues, expands and includes defamation and double standards, until it reaches a level of ferocity that has left many wondering, unfortunately, on the real reasons and motivations behind this campaign,” he said.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said that Qatar World Cupthe first in an Arab country, will be the “best of all time”.
