The Emir of Qatar thanks Putin for his help in organizing the 2022 World Cup

Yesterday at the summit in Astana, Kazakhstan, the issue of gas was central.

The protagonists were

to evaluate the creation of a large sorting center for exports to Europe. 

But Putin also met the Emir of Qatar, Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani: they talked about the energy crisis and the impact on their respective energy markets. 

Not only that, the emir thanked Putin for the great support in organizing the 2022 World Cup, which will start on November 21: "After Russia's great success in organizing the 2018 World Cup, Russian friends have provided great support to Qatar, especially in terms of organization, with the organizing committee of the 2022 World Cup - said the emir - we thank you for this and we are proud of this report "

Putin replied that "he did everything possible to transfer the experience of preparation for the World Cup".

None of the leaders specified how Russia helped Qatar.

We certainly know that Qatar has followed Russia's example in requiring fans to sign a mandatory ID, known as

, to enter the country and World Cup stadiums.

Russia and Qatar have also been associated in the news for the scandal that shook the football government in 2015. The World Cup tournament assignments, the 2018 one to Russia, and this one of 2022 to Qatar, were so opaque to bring about the resignations of the presidents of UEFA and FIFA, in what has been called the biggest corruption episode in the history of sport.