| FIFA President Gianni Infantino talks about the 2022 World Cup in Qatar at the Main Media Center of the Qatar National Convention Center in Alayan, Qatar on the 19th (Korean time). Reuters Yonhap News |
FIFA President Gianni Infatino has denied Western criticism of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
President Infantino said at a news conference held at the Main Media Center located at the Qatar National Convention Center in Alayan, Qatar on 19 (Korean time), ‘It is hypocrisy to unilaterally teach a lesson. What is happening here is very unfair.” “Considering what Europeans have done in the last 3,000 years, we have to apologize for the next 3,000 years before we can teach people a moral lesson.” It means that Europe is not qualified to take the lead in criticizing Qatar.
Qatar is criticized for the human rights of migrant workers. In the process of preparing for the World Cup in Qatar, the working conditions of migrant workers were harsh and thousands of people are known to have lost their lives. It was also pointed out that Qatar does not respect the rights of women and sexual minorities.
President Infantino expressed his opinion at the press conference, continuing all his speeches alone for about an hour. “Reform and change takes time,” Infantino said. “Qatar is ready. It will be the best World Cup ever.” “I am sure that anyone coming to Qatar will be welcome, regardless of religion, race or sexual orientation. This is our request and Qatar complies with it,” he added.
President Infantino began his speech by saying: “Today I feel like a Qatari, an Arab and an African. I also feel the feelings of gays, people with disabilities and migrant workers,” he said, adding, “I don’t have to defend Qatar. They can defend themselves. I just keep football,” he said. “Don’t criticize the players, don’t put pressure on them. Don’t criticize Qatar. Criticize me, who is responsible for FIFA and everything else,” he added.
Regarding the sudden withdrawal of beer sales around the stadium two days before the opening, President Infantino said, “All decisions related to this tournament are ‘joint decisions’ between Qatar and FIFA.” Furthermore, he added, “In France, Spain, Scotland, etc., alcohol is banned in stadiums,” adding, “Personally, I think I can live without drinking about 3 hours a day.”
Doha = Journalist Heo Jong-ho
