Qatar 2022 World Cup: 15 quotes on Qatar 2022 ahead of the tournament - including comments from Steve Clarke, Jurgen Klopp and Arsene Wenger
The Qatar 2022 World Cup has received criticism over the country’s human rights record and treatment of workers. Here’s what 15 prominent voices have said about the tournament.
We are now just days away from the beginning of the World Cup 2022 in Qatar, and while fans naturally have excitement over football’s biggest prize, the FIFA tournament will arrived with a chorus of criticism.
The first World Cup to take place in the middle of a European season, FIFA have received widespread outrage at their decision to host a the competition in a country that currently has a more-than-questionable human rights record.
Many footballers, musicians and celebrities have spoken out again the tournament, with Lionesses’ star Beth Mead and Germany boss Hansi Flick being more than blunt in their assessment, while the likes of David Beckham, Graeme Souness and legendary former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger have praised the decision.
Whichever way you look at it, it will be a tournament like no other we’ve experienced.
9. Graeme Souness - former Scotland international and pundit
"The world will see something totally unprecedented in Qatar. It’s amazing that the two farthest stadiums are within an hour of each other. Fans can stay in the same hotel throughout and really enjoy the football – potentially watching two matches a day. It’s fantastic." Photo: Alex Burstow
"I was actually offered a lot of money, over $1 million, to play there 15 months ago. I turned it down. It's not right to go. And the Iranians should be out too for supplying arms[to Russia in Ukraine]." Photo: Jason Kempin
"They have to accept our rules here. Homosexuality is haram. I am not a strict Muslim but why is it haram? Because it is damage in the mind." Photo: BERTRAND GUAY
12. Kamal, a Nepalese metal worker on Khalifa Stadium
"The manager said ‘these men are causing trouble, they are lazy. Watch them closely. If they do not show up to work or try to escape, report them to the police." Photo: KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV