Qatar’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, has dismissed calls for a boycott of the World Cup in Qatar, asserting that such demands originate from a handful of countries that do not represent the global sentiment eagerly anticipating the tournament. While Qatar faces scrutiny for its treatment of foreign workers and restrictive social laws, Sheikh Mohammed argued that these criticisms lack credibility, especially since the vast majority of tickets have already been sold.
In an interview with Le Monde, Sheikh Mohammed expressed frustration with what he perceives as hypocritical attacks, emphasizing that the boycott calls are driven by a very small number of people in about 10 countries, which he believes do not reflect the broader global perspective. He emphasized that the world is enthusiastically anticipating the event, with over 97% of tickets already sold.
Teams like England, Australia, Denmark, and the Netherlands have raised concerns about the plight of migrant workers in Qatar. The country has faced pressure to address human rights issues, leading to changes in labor laws, such as dismantling the “kafala” sponsorship system. However, Sheikh Mohammed acknowledged existing flaws that the government is working to rectify while criticizing what he sees as “double standards” applied to Qatar.
Regarding FIFA’s recent letter urging teams to focus on the tournament and not let it become embroiled in political disputes, Sheikh Mohammed supported the call. He emphasized that the stadiums, equipped with air conditioning, will not use it during matches due to the cooler temperatures in Qatar’s winter climate, contrary to concerns raised by some critics.
As the World Cup approaches, Sheikh Mohammed reiterated that the event is a global celebration eagerly anticipated by the majority, and he emphasized the need to separate sports from political agendas.