FIFA’s leadership team has responded to the continued increase in negative sentiment towards this month’s World Cup in Qatar with a glowing appraisal of the host nation.
One day after FIFA president Gianni Infantino called for teams to focus on the tournament, rather than “every ideological or political battle that exists”, the governing body’s secretary-general Fatma Samoura has declared Qatari people as “the most hospitable people on earth”.
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Despite homosexuality being illegal in the tiny gulf nation, Samoura is insisting that everyone attending the World Cup, which kicks off on November 20, will be welcomed with open arms.
“No matter your race, your religion, your social and sexual orientation, you are most welcome, and Qataris are ready to receive you with the best hospitality that you can imagine,” Samoura said.
“People can consider Qatar as a conservative society, like my own country in Senegal.
“But let me tell you one thing: Qataris are the most hospitable people you can find on earth.”
Samoura also made the perplexing claim that Qatar should be considered a model for other nations to follow when it comes to improving human rights issues.
Qatar’s tournament organisers have copped international criticism amid reports 6,500 migrant workers have died in the country since it was awarded rights to the World Cup 10 years ago.
Samoura acknowledged there had been “some challenges” but the situation was greatly improving.
“Measures have been taken over the past six years and especially by the new leadership of FIFA,” Samoura said.
“Measures have also been taken during the very hot period of the year to protect workers.
“Inspections have been carried out, on sites where workers are operating but also in the accommodation part and in hotels and restaurants where people will be going for their meals or for their accommodation.
“We have been working, over the past six years, with the International Labour Organisation, with the Building and Wood Workers’ International and with the Centre for Sport and Human Rights, and those entities are the ones saying: ‘Yes, in terms of achievement, in terms of progress, Qatar can be designated as a model to follow for other countries in the region.’”
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