Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy said that football does not belong only to Westerners, and demanded that all countries be given an opportunity to show their abilities to organize major competitions instead of issuing prejudices.
Sarkozy spoke in an interview with the French newspaper "Le Journal Du Dimanche" about the attacks against Qatar, weeks before the start of the 2022 World Cup, and said, "Football is a global sport and every region in the world must be able to organize an international competition." “Football is not only for Westerners, whether they are French, English, Italian or American, it is a sport that brings people together.”
He added, "I note that all the countries that have organized major international events in recent years have been the subject of controversy: China, Russia, Brazil and today Qatar. We must give each of these host countries the opportunity to show their experience and see how the competitions are organized before the judgments are passed."
The former French president considered that the announcement by a number of cities in his country to boycott the World Cup and not broadcast matches on giant screens is a kind of "hypocrisy".
He added, "It seems to me that the mayor of Paris is very satisfied with the Qatari investments in the capital club, and this seems more than just installing a giant screen, it is a hypocritical argument."
Qatar is preparing to receive the first World Cup in the Middle East.
The President of the International Football Association (FIFA) Gianni Infantino confirmed earlier that the State of Qatar will present the best version in the history of the World Cup.
Infantino stressed that Qatar has fulfilled all its promises regarding equipping facilities, stadiums and infrastructure, praising at the same time the pioneering reforms introduced by the state to change the lives of thousands of workers for the better.
He explained that the World Cup will not be limited to competitions within the green rectangle, but will extend its impact and many wonderful memories on the football system with all its sides, noting that the State of Qatar welcomes everyone regardless of affiliation, race or orientation.