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Qatar’s emir has thanked Vladimir Putin for Russia’s nice assist in organising the 2022 World Cup and stated he’s “proud” of the connection between the 2 nations.
Russia has been a sporting and political pariah for the reason that invasion of Ukraine however Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani went out of his solution to reward Putin at a gathering between the lads in Astana, Kazakhstan, on Thursday.
His feedback got here because the chief of the World Cup organising committee, Nasser al-Khater, warned towards the event changing into a “platform of political statements” amid plans by some captains, together with England’s Harry Kane, to put on a ‘One Love’ armband throughout video games.
The interventions give a clearer indication of Qatar’s place simply over 5 weeks earlier than the event begins.
The emir stated: “After Russia made an amazing success in organising the 2018 World Cup, Russian pals have supplied nice assist to Qatar, particularly by way of organisation, with the organising committee of the 2022 World Cup.
“We thanks for this and we’re happy with this relationship. This may proceed till the tip of the World Cup. I’m very blissful to see you, Mr president. Thanks.”
Putin returned the praise by promising the emir that Russia was “doing all the pieces we are able to by way of transferring the expertise of getting ready for the World Cup”, including: “I’m positive that it is going to be successful.”
Neither chief specified how Russia has helped Qatar, the primary Arab nation to host the World Cup. However one space during which Qatar has adopted Russia’s instance is by requiring followers to join a compulsory ID, generally known as a Hayya Card, to enter the nation and World Cup stadiums.
In the meantime Khater, requested concerning the armbands in an interview with Sky Information, stated he had examine them within the press however didn’t know something official. “It is a sporting event that folks need to come and revel in,” the chief govt of the Supreme Committee for Supply and Legacy, stated. “Turning it right into a platform of political statements, I don’t suppose is true for the game.”
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In response to Khater’s interview, James Cleverly, the overseas secretary, stated he would “completely assist” Kane and the Soccer Affiliation’s stance on the armband. Fifa is but to offer its approval to the armband however it’s understood England intend to make use of it regardless.
Khater confirmed that followers can be free to show rainbow flags in Qatar and that homosexual followers would have the ability to maintain palms in public.
“On the finish of the day, so long as you don’t do something that harms different folks, should you’re not destroying public property, so long as you’re behaving in a manner that’s not dangerous, then everyone’s welcome and you don’t have anything to fret about,” he stated.
Khater was requested whether or not he felt criticism levelled at Qatar had been racist and replied: “I’m not going to get into what the intentions of different individuals are. I’m not going to get into the minds and souls of different folks. However, you recognize, who is aware of? Probably.”
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