‘If somebody is claiming they are a perfect country, they need to take a look at themselves’
Qatar 2022 chief executive Nasser Al Khater has told England manager Gareth Southgate to ‘pick his words carefully’ after he voiced concerns over the country hosting the World Cup.
Ever since it was awarded the finals in 2010, Qatar has been at the centre of controversy with the Gulf state heavily criticised for its alleged human rights violations and ill-treatment of migrant workers.
Male homosexuality is also punishable by a prison sentence and same-sex marriages are not recognised by the government.
Southgate ‘unsure’ what boycotting would achieve
Southgate – who previously said he is ‘unsure’ what boycotting the Qatar World Cup would achieve – held a meeting with the England players ahead of their recent friendlies over the international break.
It is thought that the group discussed the challenges in Qatar and importance of having an open dialogue on how England could show their opposition.
The England boss has since travelled out to Qatar as part of the Football Association’s (FA) delegation at the World Cup draw on Friday.
Al Khater responds to Southgate’s comments
Al Khater was asked about the opinions of Southgate and said that he is hopeful of getting the opportunity to talk things through with him during the FIFA congress in Doha.
"If somebody is claiming they are a perfect country, they need to take a look at themselves" 😤
Qatar 2022 chief Nasser Al Khater has responded to England boss Gareth Southgate's comments about the World Cup 😳pic.twitter.com/XMXb7kqWvj
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) March 30, 2022
“My question would be who from the England squad has been to Qatar? My question to the coach is has he been to Qatar?” he told Sky Sports News.
“Is he basing his opinions and his public statements on what he has read? Because it is kind of an issue when you just base an opinion on which you are very vocal about on things which you have read.
“Somebody with a lot of influence such as Southgate, somebody with a big audience that listens to what he has said has got to pick his words carefully.
“I think before making statements like that when it comes to the workers, he needs to come here, speak to workers, understand what workers get out of being here.
‘Isolated cases make it to the media’, claims Al Khater
He added: “There are isolated cases, these are the cases which make it to the media. However, I can assure him that if he comes here, speaks to the majority of workers, they will tell you how they have put their children through University, they will tell you how they built their houses for them and their families. These are the stories that nobody hears.
“So I look forward to welcoming him here, I look forward to meeting him at the draw. He can listen to my opinion. He doesn’t have to believe it, but at least he needs to go that far to understand different opinions, to understand different cultures.
“I am extending him my deepest respect. I respect him as a coach, as a human being. I don’t have any issues with people’s opinions. Obviously when someone has a different opinion, you will give them your side of the story. We can agree to disagree, but that’s fine.”
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