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Football

31st Mar 2022

Qatar World Cup chief executive calls out Gareth Southgate

Daniel Brown

‘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.

World Cup Southgate

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.

World Cup Southgate qatar

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.

“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.