Swiss FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed that Europe is practicing hypocrisy in assessing the conditions of workers in the world, stressing the need for Europe to apologize to people before giving lessons.
Infantino added, during a press conference at the media center of the tournament in Doha, that the State of Qatar opened its doors to workers from all over the world at a time when Europe closed its doors to them, noting that Qatar is a sovereign country and does not need advice or interventions regarding workers' rights.
Infantino said, "What is happening at the present time is not fair at all. The criticism related to the World Cup is hypocritical. As Europeans, what we have done over the past 3,000 years, we must apologize for it over the next 3,000 years before we give lessons to others. Moral lessons betray hypocrisy."
The FIFA President pointed out that Qatar provides job opportunities for everyone who comes to it with the hope of life, and what the workers earn helps them support their families in their countries.
Infantino: Qatar will present the best version of the World Cup in history (Reuters)
Memorandum of Understanding
Infantino revealed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between FIFA and the International Labor Organization, which grants workers a permanent headquarters in Qatar affiliated with the international organization, noting that the International Federation of Football Associations cares about workers and their rights, and "the conditions of workers in Qatar are better than those of immigrants in Europe."
The FIFA President stated that the State of Qatar has developed a lot in the field of protecting workers' rights and has become a model of tolerance and teamwork, and Europe must stop criticism and focus on improving the conditions of its immigrants, stressing that Qatar will present the best version of the World Cup in history, "and I am proud of everyone who contributed to it." this event".
Infantino said FIFA is an international organization with 211 member states that seeks to unite the world through football and treats everyone equally, and it is not a political organization.
Gianni Infantino, President of #FIFA: It is not easy every day to receive criticism, and I am confident and sure that the World Cup #Qatar will be the best version of the World Cup @fifacom_ar #Mursal_Qatar |
#Hayakum_in_Qatar #World_Cup_Qatar_2022 pic.twitter.com/V8LSgYmeog
- Marsal Qatar (@ Marsalqatar) November 19, 2022
Peaceful coexistence
He added that the presence of fans from all over the world in Qatar contributes to opening everyone's eyes to the Arab world.
Regarding the decision to ban alcoholic beverages for fans in World Cup stadiums, the FIFA President said that every decision taken in this edition of the World Cup is a joint decision between the State of Qatar and FIFA.
The FIFA World Cup kicks off tomorrow evening, Sunday, with the Qatari national team and its Ecuadorean counterpart at the World Cup in the first round of Group A, which also includes the Netherlands and Senegal.