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Off-field discussion points from the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar

How should FIFA World Cup 2022 participants react to human rights issues in Qatar?

  • Make verbal and other protests but go to Qatar

    Votes: 3 13.6%

  • Boycott and not go to Qatar in protest

    Votes: 3 13.6%

  • Say nothing and just play football in the tournament

    Votes: 16 72.7%
  • Total voters
    22
rickroll said:
Couple of points here

#1 While the Qatar issue seems to be overblown, in all fairness the bolded part seems to be comparing illegal immigrants in the US with the legal system in Qatar. Not an apples-apples comparison. Issues like deportation threat are there in all countries for illegals be it US/England or Qatar/Saudi

#2 Blacks protest in the US for equal treatment as humans period, not just for equal workers right. Not sure if this reinforces your point or weakens it but pointing out the more accurate condition is all. The bad worker conditions do exist for many in the US across race/ethnic lines, not just blacks. It is more of a class issue on that front. This being said, US is pretty racist once you go into the hinterlands away from the big cities.
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Ultimately the point is worker's rights in the West are generally worse than Qatar's. It's not like every worker is dying in Qatar, just construction workers are effected and this is due to safety at site more than anything, yet in the West, entire races and demographics are treated like animals and with utter contempt at the work place.
 
This world cup has been 10 years in the making and only recently have some of the players spoke up just because they are constantly poked and prodded about it

What do they think this will achieve? Surely the sofly softly approach would work much bettef than forcing qatar into a corner That wont make them change their mind If anything they will stick 2 fingers back at the countries

Lets be honest You wont see harry kane talking about the workers rights or the lgbt issue in 6 months time Or the germans protesting with their mouths covered afte this world cup They dont really care or else theyd have stayed at home in protest

Its just an agenda here to ruin it for Qatar for obvious reasons
 
Iran boss Carlos Queiroz confronted a BBC journalist after his side's press conference to berate her over tough questioning.

Queiroz lost his patience at persistent questioning over the state of politics back in his side’s homeland ahead of their game with Wales on Friday.

BBC journalist Shaimaa Khalil earlier asked Iran striker Mehdi Taremi if he had a message for protestors on the street back home. It follows uproar across Iran since mid-September after the death in custody of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman.

Amini was arrested by the country’s morality police in the capital Tehran for allegedly not adhering to Iran’s dress code for women. But Queiroz took Khalil to task after the press conference had finished to insist that she ask other manager’s like England’s Gareth Southgate tough questions too.

Queiroz, 69, said: “Why don’t you ask to Southgate these kind of questions? I am talking with you. I ask the pleasure to talk with you.

“I am asking one thing to you now the press conference is finished. Do you think it is fair also to ask other questions to other coaches?

“That is the only question I make. Why don’t you ask the other coaches? Why don't you ask Southgate: ‘what do you think about England, the United States and Afghanistan?”

https://www.msn.com/en-ca/sports/so...sedgntp&cvid=ef5ed3b38efa4561b65496d661a6ab30
 
The World Cup tension the west is not seeing: Israelis told to keep low profile

One video shows an Egyptian football fan smiling serenely as an Israeli broadcaster introduces him live on air. Then he leans into the microphone with a message: “Viva Palestine.”

Another clip from the streets of Doha this week shows a group of Lebanese men walking away from a live interview with a reporter they have just learned is Israeli. One shouts over his shoulder: “There is no Israel. It’s Palestine.”

As hundreds of thousands of people from around the world have poured into Qatar this week for the World Cup, these are among the awkward encounters between Arab football fans and Israeli journalists that have gone viral on Middle Eastern social media, one of many sources of political friction at a tournament that has not yet shaken off its myriad controversies.

For the host country, staging the World Cup has involved delicate negotiations over the presence of LGBTQ+ fans, public displays of affection and the availability of beer and wine. Less prominent in the west, but no less fraught, has been the emirate’s accommodation of Israeli football fans and media, a concession to Fifa’s rules for hosting the multibillion-dollar tournament.

Qatar does not have official ties with Israel but has given special permission for direct flights from Tel Aviv and allowed Israeli diplomats to be stationed at a travel agency in the country to give their nationals consular support. Conscious of domestic opinion, however, it has insisted the measures are strictly temporary and not steps towards a normalisation agreement of the kind signed by several other Arab states in recent years.

Though neither Israel nor Palestine are playing in the tournament, the latter has featured prominently at the Middle East’s first World Cup. Before Sunday’s opening match, a phalanx of Qatari men marched into the Al Bayt Stadium chanting, “Everyone is welcome,” carrying with them a large Palestinian flag. “We are taking care of people in Palestine, and all Muslim people and Arab countries are holding up Palestinian flags because we’re for them,” the flag bearer told the Guardian.

Fans from Tunisia, Saudi Arabia and Algeria have also carried Palestinian flags prominently at matches and worn them as capes around their necks. On Thursday, Randa Ahmer, a young Palestinian woman, stood in Doha’s bustling Souq Waqif holding a Palestinian flag above the international crowd. “It’s our country, we’re going to carry our flag everywhere,” she said, as passersby shouted messages of support.

Fifa trumpeted its agreement with Qatar to allow Israelis to fly to Doha by claiming the deal also allowed Palestinians to make the journey from Tel Aviv, but nearly a week into the tournament, it was unclear how many had been able to surmount the extensive Israeli security checks required to make the journey. Some of those who had made it to Qatar had come via Jordan or Egypt.

As of the beginning of the tournament, nearly 4,000 Israeli and 8,000 Palestinian fans had received entry visas to Qatar, though Israel’s foreign minister said it was expected as many as 20,000 Israelis could ultimately end up going.

A kosher kitchen has been set up near Doha’s airport to provide Israeli fans with a place to gather and food that conforms with religious requirements.

Preparing to arrive in Doha over the weekend, Duby Nevo, an Israeli national, said he was watching the reports of Palestinian activism at the tournament with some concern. “I hope that Qataris are welcoming and everything will be fine,” he said. “I really hope to meet people from all over the world and especially from Arabic countries – if they want to make friends. I just want to enjoy [the football], no conflicts whatsoever.”

Another Israeli man, who gave only his first name Bahaa, said the organisation of the tournament and atmosphere in the country were excellent, but there was one drawback: “The majority of the masses here do not accept the presence of Israelis.”

Others said they were finding a welcoming environment, but taking precautions. “We’re not afraid to be here in Qatar as Israelis, they are very kind and we don’t feel the politics between the countries,” said Omer Laufer. “Sometimes we say that we are from Cyprus – but just to people from Arab countries.”


As the viral videos have shown, it is Israeli media outlets that have borne the brunt of the lingering antipathy with which their country is regarded by Arab populations, even if many of their governments have now signed agreements acknowledging Israeli sovereignty, started building trade ties and brought their security cooperation out into the open.

Israel’s Channel 13 sports reporter Tal Shorrer told Associated Press that while his interactions with Qatari officials had been pleasant, he had been shoved and insulted by Palestinians and other Arab fans during his live broadcasts from the city.

When a mobile phone seller noticed his friend’s settings in Hebrew, Shorrer said the man exploded with anger, screaming at the Israeli to get out of the country.

“I was so excited to come in with an Israeli passport, thinking it was going to be something positive,” he said. “It’s sad, it’s unpleasant. People were cursing and threatening us.”

On Friday, a reporter from Israel’s public broadcaster Kan had a more enjoyable brush with fans, mobbed by jubilant Iranian supporters celebrating their 2-0 victory over Wales, who dressed him a jester’s hat in the national colours while anchors back in the studio watched on, laughing.

Aware of the sensitivities of a tournament that will attract thousands of arrivals from hostile countries such as Iran, and where unlike in previous tournaments, all of the estimated 1.2 million foreign fans will be living cheek-by-jowl in one city, Israeli diplomats have produced videos asking their nationals to keep a low profile.

“Downplay your Israeli presence and Israeli identity for the sake of your personal security,” said Lior Haiat, an Israeli diplomat, addressing fans.

https://amp.theguardian.com/footbal...-not-seeing-israelis-told-to-keep-low-profile
 
Browncaps said:
Iran boss Carlos Queiroz confronted a BBC journalist after his side's press conference to berate her over tough questioning.

Queiroz lost his patience at persistent questioning over the state of politics back in his side’s homeland ahead of their game with Wales on Friday.

BBC journalist Shaimaa Khalil earlier asked Iran striker Mehdi Taremi if he had a message for protestors on the street back home. It follows uproar across Iran since mid-September after the death in custody of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman.

Amini was arrested by the country’s morality police in the capital Tehran for allegedly not adhering to Iran’s dress code for women. But Queiroz took Khalil to task after the press conference had finished to insist that she ask other manager’s like England’s Gareth Southgate tough questions too.

Queiroz, 69, said: “Why don’t you ask to Southgate these kind of questions? I am talking with you. I ask the pleasure to talk with you.

“I am asking one thing to you now the press conference is finished. Do you think it is fair also to ask other questions to other coaches?

“That is the only question I make. Why don’t you ask the other coaches? Why don't you ask Southgate: ‘what do you think about England, the United States and Afghanistan?”

https://www.msn.com/en-ca/sports/so...sedgntp&cvid=ef5ed3b38efa4561b65496d661a6ab30
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I have a lot of respect for Shaima - no idea why she had to ask that question.
 
Wembley Stadium lights up in rainbow colours

The Wembley Stadium arch was lit up in rainbow colours tonight following a week at the World Cup dominated by a row over a rainbow-coloured armband.

Seven European nations, including England and Wales, had hoped to wear the armband as part of a year-long OneLove anti- discrimination campaign in Qatar, but had to abandon those plans when FIFA threatened them with sporting sanctions.

There had been speculation over whether England might follow Germany and stage an on-pitch protest, but in the build-up to kick-off in England's second match against the USA, the Football Association demonstrated its support for the campaign by lighting up the arch on the national stadium in north London.

The FA said in a statement: "The FA will continue to show our support to the LGBTQ+ community and all other communities during this tournament and long beyond, starting with lighting up the Wembley Stadium arch in rainbow colours for Friday night's match with the USA."
 
Reality ends some Qatari dreams of World Cup rental bonanza
The broker cited the example of a two-bedroom Doha apartment that was listed at $1,200 per night in early October

DOHA:
Qatar has found itself with an unexpected glut of rooms in the World Cup's busy group stage, with online portals showing rooms in at least 42 hotels and Airbnb offering hundreds of options for this weekend.

That's a far cry from pre-tournament warnings by Qatari officials, including Qatar Airways' CEO, and fan groups such as Football Supporters Europe of a shortage, which prompted organisers to arrange extra accommodation in villas, apartments, cruise ships, temporary cabins and even desert camps.

Doha landlords had anticipated a bonanza from 1.2 million visiting fans, with numbers forecast to peak Nov. 24-28, but the surplus has caused rents to slump and will have knock-on effects for the wider property market, some real estate agents said.

Two real estate agents, two accommodation firms and tenants say some landlords in the small Gulf state sought unrealistically high rents in the lead up to the event, which has left thousands of rooms vacant.

Many fans have chosen to stay outside Doha and jet in for matches, using up to 500 daily shuttle flights from nearby cities like tourist hub Dubai that Qatar Airways' chief said were laid on partly in response to what he called "a shortage of accommodation".

"We were in contact with half of the city, all the big real estate companies ... They weren't interested," said one accommodation broker who has worked at several global sports events and requested anonymity due to business sensitivities.

The broker cited the example of a two-bedroom Doha apartment that was listed at $1,200 per night in early October. A week before the World Cup began on Nov. 20, the rate was $250 a night, the broker said.

Qatar's Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy, which is the tournament organiser, did not respond to Reuters request for updated availability of rooms or why the anticipated shortage of lodgings did not materialise.

Organisers say a range of accommodation is on offer, from $80 per night rooms on Doha's desert edges to luxury cruise ship cabins, some costing thousands of dollars a day.

For the remaining peak nights, the official accommodation portal on Friday showed rooms available in 42 hotels, villas and apartments, while booking.com showed rooms in 73 properties and Airbnb.com offered 503 "homes".

Eleven days before kick-off, organisers had said there were at least 25,000 rooms available for every night of the World Cup.

PRICE HIKES

In a sign of how the pre-tournament concerns raised expectations among some hoteliers and landlords, Reuters has been told of four instances of late price hikes.

One group of 10 guests who arrived in Qatar from Italy a week before the World Cup started were caught in a row between their hotel and travel firm over a surcharge, their agent said.

Khaya Global told Reuters that in the two weeks before the World Cup it received demands from each of the seven hotels it has under exclusive contract for payments totalling at least $550,000, on top of what it said was more than $10 million it had pre-paid. Reuters has seen invoices for $550,000.

Reuters has not seen the original contract in full, but has reviewed a copy of a hand-written invoice for $40,000 which Khaya boss Volkhard Bauer said was from the Al Mansour Park Inn. Neither the hotel nor its owner responded to a Reuters request to confirm the invoice.

"Never ever, at no World Cup, have I heard anything like this," said Bauer of the last-minute charges. His Khaya agency has block-booked accommodation and sold rooms to fans, FIFA sponsors and other officials at three previous World Cups.

Bauer's weary guests were finally checked in after the agency wired the amount demanded, he told Reuters.

Another hotel, the Waterfront Hotel and Apartments, sent an invoice for $53,700, seen by Reuters, for guests to have extra beds in nine rooms during the tournament, a surcharge increase from an agreed $90 to $250 per night.

Neither hotel nor the owner of both responded to repeated Reuters requests for comment.

EMPTY PEARL

It's not only overseas visitors who have seen costs soar.

While some landlords slashed prices as the tournament neared, many were still trying to secure short-term business at much higher rates, crowding out residents, the accommodation broker and real estate agents said.

Long-term rents in Qatar rose by more than 30% in the third quarter, with some landlords demanding potential tenants sign two-year leases locking them into current prices, a Sept. 30 report by real estate services firm Cushman and Wakefield said.

Reuters spoke to long-term residents at five Doha apartment buildings and two housing compounds who said landlords had in the months before the tournament refused to renew annual contracts and hiked rents.

At The Pearl, a high-end residential neighbourhood built on a man-made island, a 30-year-old Tunisian woman whose lease expired in October said that her apartment owner had told her he would only renew it once the World Cup ended.

He made that conditional on her leaving behind her furniture so he could rent the apartment out as a furnished unit, said the woman, who declined to be named or to identify her landlord.

"I found myself basically forced to say yes to his offer," she said, adding she was wary of committing to costly long-term rates.

But she still needed to rent a temporary apartment as her soccer fan brothers had bought tickets for the tournament.

Express Tribune
 
Qatar has launched a review of its investments in London after the city’s transport authority this week banned the Gulf state’s advertisements on the UK capital’s buses, taxis and underground train system.

The move by Transport for London was prompted by concerns about Qatar’s stance on LGBT+ rights and its treatment of migrant workers. It has infuriated Doha, which has become increasingly angered by criticism aimed at it as host of the football World Cup.

In 2019, London mayor Sadiq Khan asked TfL to “review how it treats advertising and sponsorship from countries with anti-LGBT+ laws”. This led to a suspension of new adverts from 11 countries including Qatar, Pakistan, Brunei and Saudi Arabia.

TfL on Friday admitted that “some” Qatar adverts had run on the network since then. But it has moved to a total ban following an outcry this week, when European teams at the World Cup in Qatar were prevented from wearing armbands in support of LGBT+ rights.

Qatar’s team on Friday became the first team to crash out of the tournament, having played just two matches.

The person involved in the Qatari review of London investments said TfL, which is chaired by Khan, contacted Q22, the body overseeing the World Cup, and Qatar’s tourism authority this week to inform them about the ban.

In response, Qatar was “reviewing their current and future investments” in London and was “considering investment opportunities in other UK cities and home nations”, said the person involved in the review.

The TfL ban “has been interpreted as a message from the mayor’s office that Qatari business is not welcome in London”, the person added.

It is unclear what impact the review might have on Qatar’s London investments. Over the past two decades it has become one of biggest investors in London through its $450bn sovereign wealth fund. The Qatar Investment Authority owns Harrods, the department store, the iconic Shard building and is a co-owner of Canary Wharf. The Gulf state also owns Chelsea Barracks, the Savoy and Grosvenor House hotels, and a 20 per cent stake in Heathrow airport.

In May, the gas-rich Gulf state pledged to invest £10bn over five years in the UK through the QIA, including in the technology, healthcare, infrastructure and clean energy sectors.

A spokesperson for Khan said the Labour mayor was not involved in day-to-day decisions regarding advertising on the city’s transport network. A TfL spokesperson said it had provided “advertising partners and brands with further guidance” on acceptable advertising during the World Cup.

Qatar’s media office and the QIA declined to comment. But the person involved in the Qatar review said Doha considered the TfL ban “another blatant example of double standards and virtue signalling to score cheap political points around the Qatar World Cup”.

“TfL accepts advertising from the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, and has several commercial interests in China, but there is no suggestion that those agreements will be pulled,” the person said.

They added that the dispute would not affect Qatar’s relationship with the Conservative-led UK government.

The UK has been seeking to secure longer-term gas supplies from Qatar in the wake of the energy crisis triggered by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Qatar, the world’s top exporter of liquefied natural gas, is already an important energy supplier to the UK.

Qatar had launched a tourism advertising drive in the UK in the lead up to the World Cup, with a focus on London, as it seeks to use the tournament to promote the nation.

Qatar leaders have become increasingly open in their push back against the criticism, particularly from European politicians and football associations, as it has intensified in the lead up to the tournament.

Last month, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the emir, raged against what he said was an “unprecedented campaign” against Qatar.

He said it included “fabrications and double standards that were so ferocious that it has unfortunately prompted many people to question the real reasons and motives behind the campaign”.

FT
 
I find it funny when a country like England try to force its immoral values on Qatar. England is a country where a lot of people don't even know whether they are a man or a woman. It is a country where men can get pregnant. It is a country where kids as young as four are having sex change operations. But they want to act like their way of living is morally superior to that of Qatar's way of living.
 
Uk is slitting its own wrist.

Qatar,Middle East have the paper now, we are broke!

Along with Russia, China , South America, Middle East they will send Europe back to the middle ages.

Its sad because I live here and most Brits are unaware but they are right to do so.
 
Rajdeep said:
Dare I say, it is not the case of being you not taking me seriously but lack of counter arguement from on part and hence an excuse to take an easy pass. The way I see it I have never ran away from any thread or discussion. If I missed any post, pls tag me in and I would be more than happy to respond. Lets discuss Qatar's gross violation of human rights in this thread and that too seriously.
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Lol, it was you who started the thread, why would I need to tag you on it? Anyway, I can bump that if you've forgotten, by all means let's discuss human rights of migrant workers in this one. You won't see me run away.
 
Browncaps said:
Iran boss Carlos Queiroz confronted a BBC journalist after his side's press conference to berate her over tough questioning.

Queiroz lost his patience at persistent questioning over the state of politics back in his side’s homeland ahead of their game with Wales on Friday.

BBC journalist Shaimaa Khalil earlier asked Iran striker Mehdi Taremi if he had a message for protestors on the street back home. It follows uproar across Iran since mid-September after the death in custody of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman.

Amini was arrested by the country’s morality police in the capital Tehran for allegedly not adhering to Iran’s dress code for women. But Queiroz took Khalil to task after the press conference had finished to insist that she ask other manager’s like England’s Gareth Southgate tough questions too.

Queiroz, 69, said: “Why don’t you ask to Southgate these kind of questions? I am talking with you. I ask the pleasure to talk with you.

“I am asking one thing to you now the press conference is finished. Do you think it is fair also to ask other questions to other coaches?

“That is the only question I make. Why don’t you ask the other coaches? Why don't you ask Southgate: ‘what do you think about England, the United States and Afghanistan?”

https://www.msn.com/en-ca/sports/so...sedgntp&cvid=ef5ed3b38efa4561b65496d661a6ab30
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What a flipping reply from Carlos!!

Very well said Sir.
 
I agree that most Pakistanis consider Arab's even Persians as their masters. Consequently I have always distanced myself from Arab and Middle Eastern wars insisting they are not Pak wars. It was wonderful to see us distance ourselves from the Yemen war and also the current chaos in Iran.

Whilst I congratulate Qatar on upholding Islamic values not for a minutes does this mean that the Arab's are not the biggest human rights abusers themselves. Zakir Naik in Qatar should first tell the Arab's and Qataris about human rights before lecturing all visitors to Qatar.

I would never live in the Arab world where discrimination is a way off life. Muslim's living in the west should be loyal to their country instead of some mythical Ummah they believe in that never was or will be.
 
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Carlos Queiroz has demanded Jürgen Klinsmann resign from his role on Fifa’s technical study group after calling his comments about the Iran team “a disgrace to football”.

After Friday’s 2-0 win over Wales, the BBC presenter Gabby Logan talked about Iran’s “gamesmanship” and said they just stayed on the right side of the law before handing over to Klinsmann. “Yes, that’s their culture,” he said. “Their way of doing it, and that is why Carlos Queiroz fits really well [with] the Iranian national team.”

The former Germany international added: “[Queiroz] struggled in South America, he failed to qualify with Colombia and then he failed with Egypt to qualify and then he went back and guided Iran, who he worked already with for a long, long time. So this is not by coincidence, this is done on purpose.

“This is just part of their culture and how they play, then they work the referee, you saw the bench always jumping up, working the fourth official and the linesman, constantly in their ears, constantly in your face. Kieffer Moore will probably tell you more after the game about little incidents that we didn’t see.”

On Saturday evening Queiroz was moved to respond to Klinsmann in a series of tweets in which it was clear the Iran manager was furious. “No matter how much I can respect what you did inside the pitch, those remarks about Iran Culture, Iran National Team and my Players are a disgrace to football,” he said.

“Nobody can hurt our integrity if it is not at our level, of course. Even saying so, we would like to invite you as our guest, to come to our national team camp, socialise with Iran players and learn from them about the country, the people of Iran, the poets and art, the algebra, all the millennial Persian culture. And also listen from our players how much they love and respect football.”

“As [an] American/German, we understand you’re no supporter. No problem. And despite your outrageous remarks on BBC trying to undermine our efforts, sacrifices and skills, we promise you that we will not produce any judgments regarding your culture, roots and background and that you will always be welcome to our family.”

Queiroz then called into question Klinsmann’s official role with Fifa. “At the same time, we just want to follow with full attention what will be the decision of Fifa regarding your position as a member of Qatar 2022 Technical Study Group. Because, obviously, we expect you to resign before you visit our camp.”

Iran’s players have faced huge pressure because of political unrest at home and face the USA in their final group game on Tuesday knowing a win will ensure qualification to the World Cup knockout stage for the first time in their history.

https://www.theguardian.com/footbal...-jurgen-klinsmann-iran-bbc-comments-world-cup
 
sweep_shot said:
Those "worker treatment" issues are present in many countries (including India, China, Bangladesh etc.). I think before you criticize Qatar, you should focus on your own country first. We all know how Dalits are treated in India.

Furthermore, the "right things" include things like banning LGBTQ (prohibited in Islam), banning alcohol, banning indecent clothing etc. Those are the things Muslims are cheering for.
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The point is that Pakistanis consider Arab's as being our masters when they treat our people like garbage. Those workers you are on about are mistreated poorly by their own people living at home. Why do us Pakistanis care so much about Palestine? I have never done so nor will do.

Yeah for the first time ever an Arab country has stood up for an Islamic tenant. Now all they have to do is practice such things in reality.
 
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Jurgen Klinsmann says he wants to speak to Carlos Queiroz to "calm things down" after the Iran manager said the German's criticism of his team was a "disgrace to football".

BBC pundit Klinsmann accused Iran of gamesmanship and said they "worked the referee" in their 2-0 win over Wales.

Queiroz tweeted that the remarks "undermine our efforts, sacrifices and skills" and invited him to their camp.

He also called for him to resign from Fifa's World Cup technical study group.

Responding on Sunday morning, Klinsmann - a World Cup winner with Germany in 1990 - told BBC Breakfast: "There was stuff really taken out of context. I will try to give him a call and calm things down.

"I have never criticised Carlos or the Iranian bench. Some even thought I was criticising the referee because he didn't do anything about the way they were behaving on the bench.

"All I described was their emotional way of doing things, which is actually admirable in a certain way. The whole bench lives the game. They're jumping up and down and Carlos is a very emotional coach, he's constantly on the sidelines trying to give his players all his energy and direction."


What had Klinsmann said?

Speaking on the BBC after the 2-0 win against Wales on Friday, former striker Klinsmann said: "Carlos fits really well with the national team and their culture, he failed in South America with Colombia and then failed to qualify with Egypt, and he came in right before the World Cup with Iran, where he worked for a long time.

"It is not by coincidence, it is part of their culture, how they play.

"They worked the referee. They work the linesman and fourth official, they are constantly in their ear. There were a lot of incidents we didn't see. This is their culture, they take you off your game."

How did Queiroz respond?
In a series of tweets on Saturday night, Queiroz wrote: "Even not knowing me personally, you question my character with a typical prejudiced judgment of superiority.

"No matter how much I can respect what you did inside the pitch, those remarks about Iran culture, Iran national team and my players are a disgrace to football."

He invited Klinsmann to the team's camp to meet the players and learn about the country and its culture and "listen from our players how much they love and respect football".

The former Manchester United assistant added: "At the same time, we just want to follow with full attention what will be the decision of Fifa regarding your position as a member of the Qatar 2022 technical study group. Because, obviously, we expect you to resign before you visit our camp."

The technical study group is led by former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger and provides analysis on the World Cup to see how the game is progressing.

Iran lost their opening game 6-2 to England before beating Wales, and face the USA in their last group match on Tuesday.

They play at the tournament to the backdrop of anti-government protests at home.

Iran's players sang their national anthem before Friday's World Cup game against Wales after not doing so before their opener against England.

Earlier in the tournament, Queiroz criticised Iran fans for not supporting the team in their 6-2 loss to England.

He also confronted a BBC journalist at a news conference before the Wales game asking why England manager Gareth Southgate does not face the same level of questioning on political matters as he does.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/63772068
 
British Sports Minister To Wear Rainbow Armband at World Cup

Britain's sports minister Stuart Andrew will wear the rainbow-coloured armband that FIFA prohibited players from using at the World Cup when he attends England's clash with Wales in Qatar on Tuesday. England and Wales were among seven European teams who abandoned plans to wear the anti-discrimination symbol after being threatened with sporting sanctions by world football's governing body. German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser wore the "OneLove" armband while sat next to FIFA president Gianni Infantino for Germany's shock 2-1 defeat by Japan.

Homosexuality is illegal in Qatar and there were multiple reports of fans having rainbow-coloured items confiscated by security during the first round of games.

"I will most definitely be wearing the 'OneLove' armband," Andrew, who is gay, told ITV News. "I want to show support and I was delighted to see that the German minister who attended a recent match has worn it, I think it is important that I do so.

"And I think it's been really unfair on the England and Welsh team that at the 11th hour they were stopped by FIFA from doing it."

England fan group "3LionsPride", which represents the LGBTQ community, said before the tournament that their members would not travel to Qatar for the tournament. "These games should be a celebration show and for all football fans to enjoy. But sadly so many of them are feeling that these are not," Andrew added.

"This is not a tournament for them. I met with LGBT football supporters, and it was really distressing to see actually how emotional they got that they couldn't be.

"They didn't feel they could be part of this and that is not acceptable."

NDTV
 
sweep_shot said:
It is divisive because 23 out of 32 countries in this World Cup didn't wear it or think about wearing it.

It is just an unnecessary annoyance.
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And he's spot on. Also, just noticed the bottom two colours...can't be a coincidence
 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">A spectator ran onto the field of play with a rainbow flag during <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/POR?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#POR</a> vs. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/URU?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#URU</a> <br><br>➡️ <a href="https://t.co/WMDVY7XWnh">https://t.co/WMDVY7XWnh</a> <a href="https://t.co/tfjlDmvDcm">pic.twitter.com/tfjlDmvDcm</a></p>— The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheAthleticFC/status/1597327692005003265?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
 
James said:
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">A spectator ran onto the field of play with a rainbow flag during <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/POR?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#POR</a> vs. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/URU?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#URU</a> <br><br>➡️ <a href="https://t.co/WMDVY7XWnh">https://t.co/WMDVY7XWnh</a> <a href="https://t.co/tfjlDmvDcm">pic.twitter.com/tfjlDmvDcm</a></p>— The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheAthleticFC/status/1597327692005003265?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Click to expand...

A truly woke pitch invader. Hopefully he gets fined or banned.
 
James said:
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">A spectator ran onto the field of play with a rainbow flag during <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/POR?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#POR</a> vs. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/URU?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#URU</a> <br><br>➡️ <a href="https://t.co/WMDVY7XWnh">https://t.co/WMDVY7XWnh</a> <a href="https://t.co/tfjlDmvDcm">pic.twitter.com/tfjlDmvDcm</a></p>— The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheAthleticFC/status/1597327692005003265?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Click to expand...

Damn!

Should be arrested and imprisoned. This is not Australia where you can do pitch invasion without any consequence.
 
sweep_shot said:
Damn!

Should be arrested and imprisoned. This is not Australia where you can do pitch invasion without any consequence.
Click to expand...

Look at his messaging:

A rainbow flag ( Cheering for LGBT)

Respect for Iranian women

Save Ukraine

A truly woke pitch invader.
 
And itv choosing to highlight this pitch invaders message

When in the past the opposite has always been done
 
They just don't get it. Jail him, make an example out of him. Breaking the law should have consequences
 
400-500 migrant workers died on World Cup projects - Qatar 2022 chief

Qatar World Cup chief Hassan Al Thawadi has told Piers Morgan an estimated 400-500 migrant workers died “as a result of work connected to the World Cup” in an interview in Doha.

Organisers have always said three migrant workers died on stadia sites with a 37 further fatalities of stadia workers off-site due to non-work reasons

This new figure appears to be an estimate total for fatalities on other infrastructure sites linked to the tournament
 
Clip of George Galloway on the Qatar discourse doing the rounds:

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hA_mjfn87Ns" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
 
Qatar attacks Gary Lineker and calls BBC's World Cup coverage ‘very racist’
Head of Qatar World Cup, Hassan Al-Thawadi, also lashes out at ITV pundit Roy Keane


The head of the Qatar World Cup has branded some of the BBC’s coverage of the tournament “very racist” and accused Gary Lineker of failing to engage with organisers before criticising them live on air.

Hassan Al-Thawadi also lashed out at ITV pundit Roy Keane in a blistering attack on the fiercest critics of one of the most controversial events ever staged.

Al-Thawadi, the Secretary General of the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy, went on the attack over the BBC’s decision to begin its World Cup coverage with a monologue from Lineker about the scandals to plague the build-up to the tournament, and to focus on those at the expense of the opening ceremony.

He condemned comments by Jurgen Klinsmann, one of the corporation’s star pundits, in which the former Germany player and manager accused Iran of having a “culture” of gamesmanship, and took issue with Keane’s contention that the World Cup should not be in Qatar.

Al-Thawadi told talkSPORT: “Unfortunately, I’ve seen some of the coverage that seems to be kind of pushing towards that stereotype of the Middle East. I’ll give an example: the Iran-Wales game. Iran played very good – would you say so? They were the better team, up until the 95th or 96 minute, right?

“And, yet, the coverage that we saw, for example, on BBC, by Jurgen Klinsmann, talking about how it’s part of their culture, and reflecting the players in a way that was – I hate using the word but I will use only once just because I don’t ever want to give power to the word – very, very elitist, very orientalist, very racist to a certain extent.

“When you’re sitting down looking at what was happening and you’re saying, ‘That’s part of their culture’, what do you mean by that? Was it misunderstood or was it was a reflection he was representing a culture in a very negative way?”

'They never bothered to listen to the other side'
Al-Thawadi, who attended university in the UK, added: “When it comes to statements that come out, for example, from Roy or from Gary, or whoever else it is, there was no engagement.

“The sad part, for example, for me: Gary Lineker, as I was growing up, I looked up to him.

“I used to look at ‘They Think It’s All Over’. For me, it was a show that I used to love watching. I loved the banter, I loved the sense of humour, I loved everything about it. And so, for me, it’s very disappointing that Gary never bothered to engage, and I say it openly. He never bothered to engage. We reached out. We reached out many times. In February, we reached out over three or four times, specifically requesting to engage with Gary, to sit down and say, ‘We understand your position. Give us the opportunity to put our case in front. At least hear us out. If you don’t agree then, that’s fine, that’s your decision, and that’s your judgement’.

“But we never got the chance. There was never the desire to listen to our part of the story.”

He went on: “The reality is, a lot of the coverage that’s come out there, the way the BBC covered the opening ceremony, the way Gary Lineker took three minutes, they never bothered to do that with any other tournament.

“They never bothered to listen to the other side, or at least present a balanced view to be able to sit down and move forward.

“So there are definitely agendas that are presented very clearly that are beyond football.”

Responding on Twitter to Al-Thawadi’s interview, Lineker wrote: “Well, this is news to me. Neither my agent nor myself received any request to engage with anyone involved with Qatar 2022. I have my weaknesses, but I’m not that rude. Very odd.”

Klinsmann posted on Twitter:

My comments on the Wales v Iran game were purely football related. Unfortunately, this was taken out of a footballing context. I have many Iranian friends and was always full of compliments for their people, culture, and history. I wish them only the best for the tournament. pic.twitter.com/qBAbOGCcX8

— J_Klinsmann (@J_Klinsmann) November 28, 2022
The Daily Telegraph has seen emails showing attempts were made to set up a meeting between Al-Thawadi and BBC presenters and pundits before April’s World Cup draw.

A source also said talks with senior executives at the corporation floundered because they refused to commit to getting the likes of Lineker in the same room as the tournament chief.

A BBC spokesperson said: “We have a responsibility to cover the legitimate issues associated with this World Cup without fear or favour, alongside bringing audiences the tournament action on the pitch, and we strongly refute these claims.”

Meanwhile, Al-Thawadi’s talkSPORT interview also appeared to attempt to justify denying those sporting rainbow colours from entry into World Cup matches.

He said: “Wouldn’t happen in Europe, but let’s be very clear: from day one, we’ve said everybody’s welcome, right?

“But what we’ve always asked for is also for people to come and kind of respect our culture, our religion, and it’s not a Qatari culture or a Qatari religion.

“These values that we’re talking about are regional, right? It’s for the Islamic world, it’s for the Arab world, it’s for the Middle East.

“But when it comes to a topic like this, it is a complicated topic. This is something, for us, or for at least this part of the world, that’s a fundamental part of religious values.”

He also admitted to having “an issue with” England and other European teams wanting their captains to wear the ‘OneLove’ armband in Qatar in support of LGBTQ+ rights.

He added: “What you’re essentially saying is you’re protesting an Islamic country hosting an event. So, where does that end? Does that mean that no Islamic country can ever be able to participate in anything?”
 
szrana007 said:
Look at his messaging:

A rainbow flag ( Cheering for LGBT)

Respect for Iranian women

Save Ukraine

A truly woke pitch invader.
Click to expand...

Why would respecting women, praying for people in Ukraine during war and advocating equal rights for Gay people is woke behaviour according to you?

I mean these are right things to do, no?

Any respectful and sane people would stand for these rights.

You may be blind to these social issues, but others strongly feels for it.

Are you unhappy bcoz Qatar is getting exposed left right and centre in front of the world during this world cup?
 
Qatar World Cup Pitch Invader With Rainbow Flag Released: Ministry

An Italian man who ran onto the pitch during a World Cup match in Qatar carrying a rainbow flag has been released following a brief detention, the Italian foreign ministry said on Tuesday. The man identified as Mario Ferri also wore a T-shirt with the words "Respect for Iranian Woman" on the back and "Save Ukraine" on the front. Ferri was on the field for about 30 seconds during the second half of the game between Portugal and Uruguay before being tackled and escorted off by security.

"The foreign ministry, together with the Italian embassy in Doha, followed the case after the pitch invasion," the Italian foreign ministry said in a statement sent to AFP.

"After a brief detention, he (Ferri) was released by the authorities without any further consequences," the ministry said, without specifying where he was held or by whom.

Gay rights and the use of the rainbow flag have been a simmering issue at the World Cup in Qatar, where homosexuality is illegal.

Captains of seven European teams had planned to wear rainbow-themed anti-discrimination armbands during the tournament as part of a campaign for diversity.

But they backed down over the threat of disciplinary action from football's governing body FIFA, including yellow cards. Ferri has staged similar protests before, including at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, where he raised the issue of children living in poverty.

On his Instagram account, Ferri posted images from inside the Lusail Stadium in Doha, where Portugal's 2-0 win over Uruguay on Monday took place. The incident was only briefly shown on television.

"We know what has happened around this World Cup... It's a normal thing to happen," Portugal player Ruben Neves said after the match. "Of course, we are all with them as well. With Iran as well, with the Iranian women. So I hope it doesn't happen, anything to the boy, because we understand his message, and I think all the world understands it as well."

FIFA maintains rainbow-coloured flags and clothes will be allowed inside stadiums, but some spectators have been ordered to remove items of clothing with the logo during the first phase of matches.

NDTV
 
Ex-England player Barnes slams critics of World Cup hosts Qatar

Nov 29 (Reuters) - Former England international John Barnes slammed critics who have questioned World Cup hosts Qatar's treatment of migrant workers, saying detractors of the country had turned a blind eye to their progress on human rights.

Qatar, which was awarded hosting rights for the World Cup in 2010, has faced intense criticism from human rights groups over its treatment of migrant workers.

The country has made changes to its labour laws in recent years, dismantling much of its "kafala" sponsorship system, increasing the minimum wage and setting up an insurance fund to help migrants cheated of their wages.

"While there is still a long way to go, the situation is streets ahead of where they were ten years ago - with improvements in housing, facilities and wages," Barnes, who made 79 appearances for England between 1983-1995, wrote in a column for the Times.

"It's interesting to observe that some of those who are making a lot of noise now have had little to say about the development of Qatar over the previous 20 years."

Qatar has also drawn criticism for its laws against same-sex relationships, with homosexuality deemed illegal in the conservative Muslim country, but organisers have repeatedly said that everyone, no matter their sexual orientation or background, is welcome during the tournament.

Captains from seven European nations had planned to show support for LGBTQ people in Qatar during matches by wearing 'OneLove' armbands, but those plans were scrapped after FIFA threatened to impose sanctions.

Barnes condemned Qatar's stance on LGBT rights, but said that visitors to the country needed to respect their laws, adding that boycotting the World Cup "would have a far greater impact" than wearing an armband.

"Qatar has invited 'everyone' to the World Cup, gay or straight, but demand 'everyone' be respectful of their ways, laws and culture...," Barnes said.

"The rainbow colours and OneLove armband promote something that is illegal in Qatar, even if we think it shouldn't be. Visitors to our country would not be allowed to promote something that's illegal."

Barnes added that it was hypocritical for English critics to find fault with Qatar, pointing to the treatment of Black communities in Britain.

"While discrimination is enshrined in Qatari law, discrimination is also enshrined in British society and culture," Barnes said.

"Lots of Black people are stopped, searched and detained just because they are Black. Let's sort ourselves out before we start to lecture and preach to the rest of the world."

Reuters
 
Barnes is a legend. :)

I think these attacks on Qatar and Islamic morals have backfired.

Now the majority of fans are only protesting for the right of the Palestinian people to live in freedom and Palestine cannot be forgotten.

Interesting the BBC and other European nations are not addressing this? Why, because they support the Zionist, occupiers who have abusing human rights even before Israel was created illegitimately.
 
KingKhanWC said:
Barnes is a legend. :)

I think these attacks on Qatar and Islamic morals have backfired.

Now the majority of fans are only protesting for the right of the Palestinian people to live in freedom and Palestine cannot be forgotten.

Interesting the BBC and other European nations are not addressing this? Why, because they support the Zionist, occupiers who have abusing human rights even before Israel was created illegitimately.
Click to expand...

We should stop paying the license fee it’s a scam as is, what a shambles. I have lost respect for Gary Linekar and Alex Scott.
 
The mask is slipping...they cannot keep this charade up without letting the eggs explode in their face
 
The latest television audience numbers have been announced and the second round of group games in Qatar provided some record figures around the globe.

The English-language coverage of USA’s 0-0 draw with England was the most watched men's football match ever on US television, with a peak audience of 19.65m on FOX.

In the Netherlands, more than three quarters (76.6%) of everyone watching TV saw their 1-1 draw with Ecuador, while Portugal’s 2-0 win over Uruguay drew the highest ever World Cup TV audience in Portugal, with 5.35m viewers delivering an audience share of 69.5%.

In Argentina, the average audience for their pivotal match with Mexico was 8.48m - an audience share of 81.3%.

And in Japan, their shock win over Germany meant an extra 10m tuned in for their game with Costa Rica, but an average audience of 36.37m were left disappointed as Japan lost 1-0.
 
While I am not happy that it has disrupted a Premier League season, and I hope it never happens again, it's been a fabulous tournament so far. What I didn't expect was to see such great atmospheres at the grounds, been great to see so many fans converge from all around the globe to back their teams in such numbers.
 
South America, Africans, Arabs and Asian fans treating it like a home tournament!. Sensational and it's not cheap. I'm seriously considering a visit
 
SpiritOf1903 said:
South America, Africans, Arabs and Asian fans treating it like a home tournament!. Sensational and it's not cheap. I'm seriously considering a visit
Click to expand...

Most people and most teams are having a great time and why not? Qatar have been a superb host.
 
World Cup Host Qatar Seeks To Change Mindset On Islam

Doha:

Proudly Muslim Qatar has taken advantage of the World Cup to reach out to the hundreds of thousands of visiting fans to change minds about Islam or even make conversions.

The Gulf emirate is the first Muslim nation to stage a football World Cup and its gas riches have endowed it with an array of grand mosques to pique the curiosity of visitors.

Canadian couple Dorinel and Clara Popa listened to the call to prayer at an Ottoman-style mosque in Doha's Katara cultural district.

It is known as Doha's Blue Mosque because of the sumptuous mosaics of blue and purple tiles on the walls. A guide took the couple on a tour of the elaborate interior dominated by a giant chandelier.

Dorinel Popa, a 54-year-old accountant, said the couple were taking a first look at Islam.

"We have prejudice against the culture and the people," because of a lack of exposure to others, he said.

- Coffee and faith -

"We have some thoughts in our heads and now maybe some of them will change," added his wife, a 52-year-old doctor.

The Qatar Guest Center, which supervises the Blue Mosque, has brought dozens of Muslim preachers from around the world to Qatar for the tournament.

Outside the mosque there are booklets in different languages explaining Islam and the Prophet Mohammed, along with Arabic coffee and dates.

Syrian volunteer Ziad Fateh said the World Cup is "an opportunity to introduce millions of people to Islam" and change "misconceptions" about a religion that many in the West link to radicalism.

"We explain to people more about ethics, the importance of family bonding, and respect for neighbours and non-Muslims," he added.

Near the mosque, volunteers managed a table aimed at visiting women with a sign saying: "Ask me about Qatar."

Those who stop are also offered Arabic coffee.

A Palestinian volunteer, Somaya, said most of the questions concerned "the veil, polygamy and whether women are oppressed in Islam."

Qatar's record on women's and LGBTQ rights has been heavily scrutinised in connection with the World Cup.

Nearby, visitors can watch a five minute virtual reality tour of Islam.

The campaign is being pursued across Qatar.

- 'Happiness' in Islam -

In the Pearl district, where many expatriates live and frequent its expensive cafes and restaurants, murals have been painted with quotes from the Prophet Mohammed urging good morality.

Upscale shopping malls carry advertisements promoting Islam.

In the Souq Waqif market, where thousands of fans gather every day, free books and pamphlets are left in one alley with a sign saying: "If you're looking for happiness... you will find (it) in Islam".

Near the Souq, the Sheikh Abdulla bin Zaid Islamic Cultural Center is open 12 hours a day for tours.

Some Muslim leaders in Qatar have called for efforts to convert visiting football fans to Islam.

Sultan bin Ibrahim Al Hashemi, a professor of sharia law at Qatar University who heads the Voice of Islam radio station, said the World Cup should be used to find new converts as well as counter Islamophobia.

Hashemi told AFP that in his meetings with foreign fans: "I will offer them to convert to Islam.

"If I find the opportunity, I will offer them Islam with ease and grace, and if I do not find the opportunity, I will tell them that you are our guests and our brothers in humanity."

But he stressed that Islam does not accept conversion through coercion.

Social media posts have claimed that hundreds of fans have changed faith but AFP's fact-checking service has shown those claims are fake.

An official at Qatar's ministry of religious endowments told AFP that the goal of the state was not "the number of converts to Islam, but rather the number of those who change their opinion about it."

Fans said they found the idea of World Cup conversions absurd.

"It is a good opportunity to learn more about Islam," said Petr Lulic, a 21-year-old Croatian in Qatar with his family. "But no one embraces a new religion during a football tournament."

NDTV
 
Arsene Wenger Takes Swipe At World Cup Teams Focused On "Political Demonstrations"

Arsene Wenger said on Sunday that teams who focused on football rather than "political demonstrations" fared better in the opening round at the World Cup. The former Arsenal manager is now working for FIFA as its head of global football development and made the remark unprompted during a press conference looking at trends during the now-concluded group stage in Qatar.

"When you go to a World Cup you know you must not lose the first game," said the 73-year-old, saying teams with World Cup experience such as holders France won their opening matches.

Wenger then added: "And the teams as well who were mentally ready, who had the mindset to focus on the competition and not on political demonstrations."

Germany's players covered their mouths for the team photo before their opening match against Japan in protest at FIFA's refusal to allow the captains of seven European sides to wear rainbow-themed armbands.

The four-time champions lost the game 2-1 and eventually exited in the group stages. This World Cup has been overshadowed by several controversies both on and off the pitch, especially when it comes to gay rights.

Homosexuality is illegal in Qatar. Germany captain Manuel Neuer was among the skippers who had planned to wear rainbow-themed armbands to promote diversity, but abandoned the initiative after FIFA threatened their teams with sporting sanctions.

NDTV
 
Wenger is right. The countries who either didn’t go in for the politics at all “or” quietly stopped bothering with it after the initial furore died down have produced the better teams in the tournament.
 
James said:
Wenger is right. The countries who either didn’t go in for the politics at all “or” quietly stopped bothering with it after the initial furore died down have produced the better teams in the tournament.
Click to expand...

Right.

This is a World Cup. Unnecessary distraction is never a good thing.
 
Not one of the Germans admitted to one of their squad being gay. Maybe that was why they were covering their mouths.
 
Cpt. Rishwat said:
Not one of the Germans admitted to one of their squad being gay. Maybe that was why they were covering their mouths.
Click to expand...

Good point.. instead of having a martyr every year for being so brave aka shed the embarrassment, why isn't it normalised then?. Apparently there's a few ...

Because football is what it is and it simply isn't the norm in most working class and proud, as it were, societies.

Wenger is a genius of a man no doubt on the FIFA payroll but commonsense is seldom
 
Rishi Sunak tweet on Qatar:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Hats off to Qatar for hosting an incredible World Cup so far.<br><br>The group stages will be remembered as one of the all-time greats.<br><br>Come on <a href="https://twitter.com/England?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@England</a> keep the dream alive &#55358;&#56705;&#55358;&#56705;&#55358;&#56705;<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FIFAWorldCup?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FIFAWorldCup</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ENGSEN?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ENGSEN</a> <br><br> <a href="https://t.co/YyLv9Y2VjZ">pic.twitter.com/YyLv9Y2VjZ</a></p>— Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) <a href="https://twitter.com/RishiSunak/status/1599466271719841792?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 4, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
 
ex-q-zit said:
Rishi Sunak tweet on Qatar:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Hats off to Qatar for hosting an incredible World Cup so far.<br><br>The group stages will be remembered as one of the all-time greats.<br><br>Come on <a href="https://twitter.com/England?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@England</a> keep the dream alive &#55358;&#56705;&#55358;&#56705;&#55358;&#56705;<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FIFAWorldCup?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FIFAWorldCup</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ENGSEN?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ENGSEN</a> <br><br> <a href="https://t.co/YyLv9Y2VjZ">pic.twitter.com/YyLv9Y2VjZ</a></p>— Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) <a href="https://twitter.com/RishiSunak/status/1599466271719841792?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 4, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Click to expand...

That's what you call diplomacy...lol. Hypocrisy well and truly exposed
 
The PM gets a pass on this one for me.

He’s been convinced and won over by the football, the drama and the joy.

Football is the greatest sport in the world.
It always wins.
 
Swiss on the way out. Another OneLove armband nation on the way home.

Only England left. France skipper refused to wear it before tournament.
 
James said:
The PM gets a pass on this one for me.

He’s been convinced and won over by the football, the drama and the joy.

Football is the greatest sport in the world.
It always wins.
Click to expand...

The wolf is bringing back diplomacy back to England, wants all the funds he can get for the economy.
 
KingKhanWC said:
Swiss on the way out. Another OneLove armband nation on the way home.

Only England left. France skipper refused to wear it before tournament.
Click to expand...

The longer England are in the WC, the quieter the radical left.

I would love to see the media reaction if England win, especially Linekar and the BBC.
 
Technics 1210 said:
The longer England are in the WC, the quieter the radical left.

I would love to see the media reaction if England win, especially Linekar and the BBC.
Click to expand...

It would be ironic if England won this World Cup.

How would it sit in history alongside 1966?

I’d be immensely proud of England if they pulled it off personally.
 
World Cup 2022: Fifa 'deeply saddened' after reported migrant worker death

Fifa says it is "deeply saddened" following the reported death of a migrant worker at a World Cup facility in Qatar.

The Filipino national fell to his death while carrying out repairs at a resort used as a training base by the Saudi Arabian team, The Athletic reported.

Football's world governing body said it had been made aware of an accident, without giving details of the incident.

It added it was in touch with the local authorities to request more details.

"Fifa is deeply saddened by this tragedy and our thoughts and sympathies are with the worker's family," it said.

"Fifa will be in a position to comment further once the relevant processes in relation to the worker's passing have been completed."

Qatar's treatment of migrant workers has been one of the main controversies overshadowing the build up to the World Cup.

A report by the Guardian newspaper last year said 6,500 migrant workers had died in Qatar since the country was awarded the World Cup in 2010.

That figure has been rejected by the Qatari authorities, who say there have been three work-related deaths in construction related directly to the tournament, and a further 37 non work-related deaths.

World Cup officials say a number of reforms to improve the health and safety standards for migrant workers have been implemented in recent years, and that they are "committed" to making more improvements as a legacy of the tournament.

Human rights organisations and a number of football associations whose countries are involved in the tournament say they will "continue to press" Qatar and Fifa to establish a compensation fund for migrant workers and their families, as well as the establishment of a migrant worker centre in Doha.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/63896544
 
Technics 1210 said:
The longer England are in the WC, the quieter the radical left.

I would love to see the media reaction if England win, especially Linekar and the BBC.
Click to expand...

Lineker might be your idea of radical left, but he is absolutely a passionate England fan. Pretty stupid to think either him or the BBC will be anything less than overjoyed if England win the world cup. The LGBTQ nonsense will simply be swept under the carpet, or there might be some hypocritical platitudes that "we did it all for them".
 
Cpt. Rishwat said:
Lineker might be your idea of radical left, but he is absolutely a passionate England fan. Pretty stupid to think either him or the BBC will be anything less than overjoyed if England win the world cup. The LGBTQ nonsense will simply be swept under the carpet, or there might be some hypocritical platitudes that "we did it all for them".
Click to expand...

Did I mention Lineker in my post? I was referring to the British media reaction.

As for Lineker, his passion for England has nothing to do with the fact he cannot stand up for what he believes in - that is - if football is his passion, why is he wasting time on rainbows? And if England do win, and the LGBTQ nonsense is swept under the carpet, it will expose Lineker and his radical lefty cronies as hypocrites - wait, like we didn't know this already.
 
Technics 1210 said:
Did I mention Lineker in my post? I was referring to the British media reaction.

As for Lineker, his passion for England has nothing to do with the fact he cannot stand up for what he believes in - that is - if football is his passion, why is he wasting time on rainbows? And if England do win, and the LGBTQ nonsense is swept under the carpet, it will expose Lineker and his radical lefty cronies as hypocrites - wait, like we didn't know this already.
Click to expand...

Yes you did mention Lineker, I quoted you, although you spelled it "Linekar".
 
Cpt. Rishwat said:
Lineker might be your idea of radical left, but he is absolutely a passionate England fan. Pretty stupid to think either him or the BBC will be anything less than overjoyed if England win the world cup. The LGBTQ nonsense will simply be swept under the carpet, or there might be some hypocritical platitudes that "we did it all for them".
Click to expand...

I like Gary - he's one of the few that has kept a reasonably consistent stance in the last few years on human rights, refugees etc.

Disagree with him on his stance with Qatar but he seems to be little less of a bandwagon jumper compared to the others.

Agree with your post though - I think its actually already starting to get swept under the carpet. I've not seen too much negative coverage during the knockouts.
 
DeadlyVenom said:
I like Gary - he's one of the few that has kept a reasonably consistent stance in the last few years on human rights, refugees etc.

Disagree with him on his stance with Qatar but he seems to be little less of a bandwagon jumper compared to the others.

Agree with your post though - I think its actually already starting to get swept under the carpet. I've not seen too much negative coverage during the knockouts.
Click to expand...

I like Gary as well. I may not agree with him or the BBC with their awful coverage on the opening day, but they are generally fair people with good intentions. I may have some ideological differences with them, but that doesn't make them bad people.
 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The FIFA general secretary Fatma Samoura has refused to answer questions about a migrant worker that died during the World Cup group stages. <a href="https://t.co/GoIuJx11X3">pic.twitter.com/GoIuJx11X3</a></p>— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) <a href="https://twitter.com/SkySportsNews/status/1600912809692467229?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
 
The chief executive of the Qatar World Cup has been criticised by human rights groups for saying "death is a natural part of life" when asked about a migrant worker's death at the tournament.

Football's world governing body Fifa said it was "deeply saddened" following the death of the worker during the group stages.

In an interview with Reuters, tournament boss Nasser Al Khater said he was "disappointed" at journalists' questions on the matter.

"The Qatari official's comment displays a callous disregard for the migrant worker who has died," Human Rights Watch representative Rothna Begum said.

"His statement that deaths happen and that it's natural when it does, ignores the truth that many migrant worker deaths were preventable."

A Filipino national fell to his death while carrying out repairs at a resort used as a training base by the Saudi Arabian team, The Athletic reported.

Qatar's treatment of migrant workers was one of the main controversies overshadowing the build-up to the World Cup.

The tournament's supreme committee said the worker was "not working under its remit" and the incident took place "on property not under its jurisdiction".

The matter is now being investigated by the Qatari authorities.

Fifa said it had been made aware of an accident and was in touch with the local authorities to request more details.

"This is something you want to talk about right now?" Al Khater said. "I mean, death is a natural part of life, whether it's at work, whether it's in your sleep.

"Of course, a worker died. Our condolences go to his family. However, I mean it is strange that this is something you want to focus on as your first question."

He added: "Look, workers' deaths has been a big subject during the World Cup. Everything that has been said and everything that has been reflected about workers' deaths has been absolutely false.

"This theme, this negativity around the World Cup has been something that we've been faced with.

"We're a bit disappointed that the journalists have been exacerbating this false narrative. And honestly, I think a lot of the journalists have to ask themselves and reflect on why they've been trying to bang on about the subject for so long."

Ella Knight, Amnesty International migrants' labour rights researcher, said: "Unfortunately, Mr Al Khater is mistaken when he says that every fatality is investigated. This is simply not true.

"We and others have been calling on the Qatari authorities to conduct such investigations on workers' deaths for years to no avail.

"Instead, they continue to simply write off vast numbers of deaths as being due to 'natural causes' despite the clear health risks associated with working in extreme temperatures.

"It goes without saying that the Government should be investigating this most recent tragic case, as well as the deaths of all others. Every single family who has lost a loved one as a result of their working conditions in Qatar deserves answers and remedy for their loss."

Human rights organisations and a number of football associations whose countries are involved in the tournament say they will "continue to press" Qatar and Fifa to establish a compensation fund for migrant workers and their families, as well as the establishment of a migrant worker centre in Doha.

BBC
 
Good on Morocco

==

AA1544Dz.jpg

Morocco has become the first Muslim nation ever to reach the quarter-finals, and it is the first time that football's biggest event has come to the region.

It is a platform some officials in Qatar wanted to use to raise awareness of discrimination faced by Muslim people.

Designs have been obtained by Sky News for armbands that featured the words "No place for Islamophobia" and featuring a Palestinian headscarf pattern.

Officials in the World Cup host nation talked about a plan for captains to wear them with other countries including Saudi Arabia and Morocco, it is understood.

A senior Qatari official told Sky News: "Prior to the start of the tournament, Qatar, and some of the other Muslim-majority teams, were in advanced discussions regarding whether the players could wear armbands raising awareness for the growing movement of Islamophobia.

"The teams accepted the decision but were disappointed that an important issue such as this, which negatively impacts the millions of Muslims around the world, was not being given a platform during the first World Cup to be hosted in a Muslim-majority region."

FIFA said it was not aware of any proposal and made no one available for interview.

A dispute over other armbands dominated the build-up to the World Cup opening last month.

FIFA threatened punishments if England and Wales joined other Europeans wearing garments featuring "One Love" - to subtly draw attention to Qatar's anti-LGBT laws.

FIFA instead proposed a range of slogans like "No to Discrimination" and vague messages like "Bring the Moves".

Not having the "No place for Islamophobia" armband was a missed opportunity for this World Cup, one man told us.

"I think it's something very nice, because what people think about Islam is pretty bad around the world," said Yusef, a pilot from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. "So it's actually something nice that people actually change their thoughts and… it was a perfect idea."

But Yazeed, another Muslim fan, thought FIFA was right to deny teams the right to pick slogans for armbands.

"This is the best way to keep everything just focused on the whole sport," he said.

"Despite the differences going around in the world, you're just having a good time watching the match.

"So if there were any distractions, the whole purpose of the World Cup would be kind of misguided.

"You're there for the games, you're there for the atmosphere. Leave the politics outside the game."

SKY
 
Even being treated well is not good enough for some people.

I was well looked after at the Qatar World Cup – and that makes me feel deeply uncomfortable

Sometimes, during or after a big sporting event, journalists are asked to write a diary-esque piece about their experiences covering said event in whichever country it is being held. It feels like a funny thing to do, to inject yourself into the story when you spend most of your working life deliberately staying out of it. Should you detail your own experiences while visiting and working in that place, or reflect on the actual environment on the ground? In the case of this World Cup, the two options feel discordant.

The reason for the cognitive dissonance is that I had an enjoyable time in Qatar. I felt welcome and looked after, and the tournament was well run. I did not see anything that horrified me. And that, in itself, feels deeply uncomfortable. After 12 years of negative press, there is a new narrative emerging from some visitors to the Gulf state. They are saying it’s not that bad after all. They have seen it with their own eyes now and can confirm it.

This perspective fails to acknowledge the things we do not see. As guests, travelling media are the audience to this production. We are shown the most flattering bits, during a specific period of time when Qatar knew it would be showing itself to the world. On occasion, over the course of my three weeks covering the tournament, I fell into the trap, taking some of what I observed at face value instead of consciously analysing it. I witnessed jovial cross-cultural interactions between Qatari men and touring westerners. I bantered with migrant workers who appeared outwardly happy and grateful to be earning a wage for their families back home. These things may be just as they seem. More often than not, though, there is grey between the black and white. I could reel off facts here about labour exploitation and other human rights abuses. But it was mainly a feeling.

I felt it each time a worker – sometimes two – opened a door for me every time I entered a room, and then left it, and then entered again. Each time there was a subservient smile and a “welcome, madam”. And each time I felt a grotesque pang of privilege, as if I was somehow a higher class to be tended to. You can try to bridge the gap all you like, by chatting and joking and humanising the person who has just served you something from a fridge you could have opened yourself. Truthfully, though, that process only helps you – the workers themselves will still be there, standing sentry at their station like servants inside a mansion of disproportionate wealth. Qatar is by no means the only country with a poor track record in this space but, as I am writing about Qatar, I will stick to Qatar.

Something I did observe was a general wariness of migrant workers around local police. The police presence in Doha is exhaustive and the pecking order apparent, especially on the roads. One Uber driver taking me to an area near a stadium littered with road blockages was reluctant to venture anywhere near the checkpoints because the police are “crazy”.

On another occasion, while in transit with a colleague, our driver briefly pulled over to clarify our directions. An officer approached and demanded the driver’s licence, which he handed over, before being directed to drop us off and return. It felt tense. I asked in English what was happening; the officer said the driver was not allowed on this part of the road. We requested that the licence be returned and eventually it was. It is difficult not to conclude that there would have been some consequence had two western journalists not been present.

The insidious nature of all of this is clear in the way we hardly even noticed it, especially once the tournament began. The pre-tournament stream of news and commentary about what was happening off the pitch slowed as journalists shifted their focus to the football. I was guilty of this, too. The workload at these events can be all-encompassing, and the group stage was gripping – from the casual brilliance of Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi to the rise of Asian and African nations. The Socceroos were, of course, compelling, and I had a front-row seat and regular access to the team. In that sense, I felt simultaneously closer to the action than most Australians and also further away, given the low number of travelling fans and the wild celebrations back home.

I also felt incredibly safe. In saying that, I do not have insight into what it is like on the ground as a member of the LGBTQ+ community. I do have insight into being a woman, and was advised by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade that if I was sexually assaulted I should not report it to the police – but to the Australian embassy instead – because I could be prosecuted for engaging in what the state deemed to be extramarital sex.

As ever, the atmosphere outside the World Cup bubble is different. People are doing more normal things. Some are obscenely rich, many more are very poor. Some say they are happy, others not. There are hardly any Qatari citizens. Some of those Qatari citizens drink alcohol at international hotels; they are always groups of men. And this is where it is difficult to draw conclusions as a foreigner. I do not speak local languages and was not there nearly long enough to form a concrete understanding of the country’s societal intricacies. I also have no certainty that migrant workers would feel comfortable telling westerners the nitty gritty of their experiences. I can only come away with my own: one that was comfortable to the point of feeling uncomfortable.

https://www.theguardian.com/footbal...p-and-that-makes-me-feel-deeply-uncomfortable
 
This has been the Best World Cup that I have ever watched, and I have watched them all since 2002.

Having all the games in one city is great for the fans and players. Will be hard for the next World Cup to come close to this.
 
Am in Qatar at the moment - what a wonderful fan experience.

Nice and clean, no drunks on streets - great atmosphere.
 
American journalist Grant Wahl dies after collapsing at Qatar World Cup

Prominent American journalist Grant Wahl has died in Qatar after collapsing while covering the World Cup, sparking an outpouring of shock and grief across the sports world.

He “collapsed” while covering Friday’s Argentina-Netherlands match, a witness told CNN.

Qatar’s World Cup organizers said on Saturday that Wahl “fell ill” in the press area, where he received “immediate medical treatment on site.” He was then transferred to Hamad General Hospital, said a spokesperson for the Supreme Court Committee for Delivery and Legacy, the body responsible for planning the tournament.

The circumstances around his death are not clear.

“The entire US Soccer family is heartbroken to learn that we have lost Grant Wahl,” US Soccer said in a statement on its official Twitter account.

“Grant made soccer his life’s work, and we are devastated that he and his brilliant writing will no longer be with us.”

US Soccer praised Wahl’s passion and “belief in the power of the game to advance human rights,” and shared its condolences with Wahl’s wife, Celine Gounder, and his loved ones.

Gounder also posted the US Soccer statement on Twitter.

“I am so thankful for the support of my husband Grant Wahl’s soccer family and of so many friends who’ve reached out tonight. I’m in complete shock,” wrote Gounder, a former CNN contributor who served on the Biden-Harris transition Covid-19 advisory board.

US State Department spokesperson Ned Price said the department was in “close communication” with Wahl’s family. The World Cup organizers also said they were in touch with the US embassy “to ensure the process of repatriating the body is in accordance with the family’s wishes.”

Wahl had covered soccer for more than two decades, including 11 World Cups, and authored several books on the sport, according to his website.

He had just celebrated his birthday earlier this week with “a great group of media friends at the World Cup,” according to a post on his official Twitter account, which added: “Very thankful for everyone.”

Feeling ill
In an episode of the podcast Futbol with Grant Wahl, published days before his death on December 6, he had complained of feeling unwell.

“It had gotten pretty bad in terms of like the tightness in my chest, tightness, pressure. Feeling pretty hairy, bad,” Wahl told co-host Chris Wittyngham in the episode. He added that he sought help at the medical clinic at the World Cup media center, believing he had bronchitis.

He was given cough syrup and ibuprofen, and felt better shortly afterward, he said.

Wahl also said he experienced an “involuntary capitulation by my body and mind” after the US-Netherlands game on December 3.

“This isn’t my first rodeo. I’ve done eight of these on the men’s side,” he said at the time. “And so like, I’ve gotten sick to some extent at every tournament, and it’s just about trying to find a way to like get your work done.”

He further described the incident in a recent newsletter published on December 5, writing that his body had “broke down” after he had little sleep, high stress and a heavy workload. He’d had a cold for 10 days, which “turned into something more severe,” he wrote, adding that he felt better after receiving antibiotics and catching up on sleep.

Wahl had made headlines in November by reporting that he was detained and briefly refused entry to a World Cup match because he was wearing a rainbow t-shirt in support of LGBTQ rights.

He said security staff had told him to change his shirt because “it’s not allowed,” and had taken his phone. Wahl said he was released 25 minutes after being detained and received apologies from a FIFA representative and a senior member of the security team at the stadium.

Afterward, Wahl told CNN he “probably will” wear the shirt again.

Tributes pour in
Wahl’s death has sent shockwaves through the soccer and sports journalism community, with many sharing tributes on social media.

“Only some days ago, Grant was recognized by FIFA and AIPS (the International Sports Press Association) for his contribution to reporting on eight consecutive FIFA World Cups,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino in a statement.

The co-editors in chief of Sports Illustrated, the publication where Wahl spent the majority of his career, said in a joint statement they were “shocked and devastated at the news of Grant’s passing.”

“We were proud to call him a colleague and friend for two decades – no writer in the history of (Sports Illustrated) has been more passionate about the sport he loved and the stories he wanted to tell,” said the statement.

It added that Wahl had first joined the publication in November 1996. He had volunteered to cover the sport as a junior reporter – back before it reached the heights of global popularity it now enjoys – eventually becoming “one of the most respected soccer authorities in the world,” it said.

The statement said that Wahl also worked with other media outlets including Fox Sports. After leaving Sports Illustrated in 2020, he began publishing his podcast and newsletter.

On Friday in Philadelphia, basketball star LeBron James said he had been “very fond of Grant.” While Wahl was at Sports Illustrated, he did a cover story on James when James was in high school.

“I’ve always kind of watched from a distance even when I moved up in ranks and became a professional, and he went to a different sport,” said James, speaking at a postgame press conference. “Any time his name would come up I’ll always think back to me as a teenager and having Grant in our building … It’s a tragic loss.”

Other current and former US soccer players, including Ali Krieger and Tony Meola, shared their condolences, as did sporting bodies such as Major League Soccer and the National Women’s Soccer League.

Wittyngham, Wahl’s podcast co-host, told CNN on Saturday the news of his death had been hard to fathom.

“For Americans, Grant Wahl is the first person you read covering soccer. He was kind of the only person for a while … Grant was the first person who really paid genuine attention to this sport in a meaningful way,” Wittyngham said.

Several journalists shared stories of reporting alongside Wahl, and having encountered him at multiple World Cups over the years.

“Before he became the best covering soccer he did hoops and was so kind to me,” wrote famed broadcaster Dick Vitale.

Timmy T. Davis, the US Ambassador to Qatar, tweeted that Wahl was “a well known and greatly respected reporter who focused on the beautiful game.”

CNN
 
MenInG said:
Am in Qatar at the moment - what a wonderful fan experience.

Nice and clean, no drunks on streets - great atmosphere.
Click to expand...

Yup.

This is the best World Cup of all time possibly. At least in my lifetime; I have watched all World Cups since 1998.
 
I have watched all world cups since 1984.( Mexico). Nothing to do with Qatar …. But I enjoyed the free flowing style of soccer of the 80s and 90s than the style of play currently.
 
watching his brother weeping and coming out with a conspiracy that he was murdered.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
I am not sure why he thinks he was murdered. That's strange.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Admittedly it was all a bit odd especially after his protesting but this is a warm country that will adversely affect some after almost a month
 
Journalist Khalid al-Misslam dies during FIFA in Qatar, 2nd incident in 2 days

Khalid al-Misslam: The news about Khalid Al-Misslam was posted on Twitter by Gulf Times, which said he "died suddenly while covering the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022."

Khalid al-Misslam, a Qatari photojournalist, working for Al Kass TV has died in Qatar, according to a report. This comes days after the death of a US reporter who wore a rainbow t-shirt in support of the LGBTQ community. The Qatari authorities have not released the official cause of his death, Metro reported.

The news about Khalid Al-Misslam was posted on Twitter by Gulf Times, which said he "died suddenly while covering the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022."

"We believe in Allah's mercy and forgiveness for him, and send our deepest condolences to his family," the tweet said.

Al Kass TV also confirmed the news in a live broadcast and said they are waiting for further details, Metro reported. Barely 48 hours ago, the death of American journalist Grant Wahl was reported after the 48-year-old collapsed while covering the quarterfinal match between Argentina and the Netherlands at the Lusail Iconic Stadium on Friday.

Grant Wahl's brother, Eric, alleged that the Qatari government may have been involved in his death while his wife, Celine Gounder, an epidemiologist and expert on infectious diseases expressed her shock on social media.

Grant Wahl was briefly detained in Qatar for wearing a rainbow shirt in support of the LGBTQ community after which he had claimed that his phone was taken away by the Qatari authorities when he tweeted about the incident.

https://www.hindustantimes.com/worl...r-2nd-incident-in-2-days-101670924813048.html
 
World Cup 2022: Security guard John Njau Kibue dies after Lusail Stadium fall

A security guard at the Lusail Stadium has died after falling from the World Cup venue in Qatar after Argentina's quarter-final win over the Netherlands.

Kenyan John Njau Kibue was initially said to be in a stable but critical condition - however, he died after three days in hospital.

Qatari organisers say they "are investigating the circumstances leading to the fall as a matter of urgency".

The 24-year-old's sister told CNN they have not been given an explanation.

"We want justice. We want to know what caused his death. They have never sent us a picture to show where he fell from or given us any other information," Ann Wanjiru said.

Kibue's family told CNN he moved to Qatar in November to work on a contract with a local security firm.

Kibue is the second migrant worker reported to have died since the start of the World Cup on 20 November. A Filipino national fell to his death while carrying out repairs at a resort used as a training base by the Saudi Arabian team, The Athletic reported.

While the tournament's supreme committee stressed that that death happened on property outside its jurisdiction, it said it offered "sincere condolences" to Kibue's family, colleagues and friends.

A report by the Guardian newspaper last year said 6,500 migrant workers had died in Qatar since the country was awarded the World Cup in 2010.

That has been denied by the Qatari authorities, who say there have been three work-related deaths in construction related directly to the tournament, and a further 37 non work-related deaths. They say that figure increases to between 400 and 500 when all infrastructure projects needed to support the tournament are factored in.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/63968483
 
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