The British "Middle East Eye" website published an article by the writer "Imran Mulla", in which he confirmed that in the period leading up to the 2022 World Cup, the Western media launched a fierce and disproportionate campaign of criticism against its host, Qatar.

As journalists portrayed the country as a "caricatured dystopia", so did politicians, with UK Labor leader Keir Starmer saying the party would not send any members to attend the tournament in Qatar.

Defying expectations of disaster and suffering, many saw the World Cup - which recently ended with Qatari creativity - as a historic event.

Writer Imran Mulla stated that the condemnation went beyond the scope of reasonable criticism of human rights issues, and in many cases it was Orientalist ignorance, as there was widespread speculation, and for them sometimes delightful, that Qatar was not ready to host the tournament, while anger was over the ban on the sale of alcohol. In the stadiums, it is evident in the folds of these campaigns.

Part of the World Cup opening ceremony at Al Bayt Stadium (Getty Images)

The writer explained that false stories were being circulated about immigrants from South Asia who were bribed to support football teams, and the BBC decided not to broadcast the opening ceremony, although it did so in the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

And now that the tournament has ended, defying all predictions of disaster and torment, it has achieved a resounding success, according to the writer, who notes that there were no riots in Doha, nor many disturbances, nor major organizational disasters, adding, “In fact, the whole event went very smoothly.” Unprecedented... it was the first World Cup in history in which no England fans were arrested."

Qatar has fulfilled its promise to host the FIFA World Cup 2022™

Despite the campaigns and attacks that have taken place since winning the hosting of the global event, Qatar has succeeded in raising the challenge. Qatar has ably fulfilled all its promises and dazzled the world. @jehad_yousif #Qatar2022 |

#WorldCupQatar2022 #WorldCupQatar2022 |

#Qatar2022 pic.twitter.com/ClIkQ1qc54

- beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS) December 20, 2022

No to gloom and torment

After the tournament ends, Qatar should of course continue to face scrutiny on human rights issues, such as the treatment of migrant workers and minority rights, and yet many commentators seem intent on criticizing the country's cultural traditions to an absurd degree.

The writer explained that they did so last Sunday;

When the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, gifted the "bisht" - a precious traditional Arab robe - to Argentine Lionel Messi for winning the World Cup.

Wearing the star of the Argentine national team and its captain, Messi Al-Bisht, was a prominent event in the ceremonies of Argentina's coronation in the World Cup (Reuters)

It was a gesture of respect and hospitality intended to honor Messi, showcasing Middle Eastern culture in the final moments of a hugely successful global event, but not everyone saw it that way.

The writer added that the newspaper "The Daily Telegraph" described it as "a strange act that spoiled the biggest moment in the history of the World Cup."

As for BBC analyst Gary Lineker - who incited television viewers with anti-Qatari rhetoric at the start of the World Cup - he sneered at his disapproval, describing the "bisht" - which is a sign of honor in Qatar - as a "little robe".

Sports writer for The Atlantic, Laurie Whitwell, described Messi when wearing a bisht as a "strange and unnecessary look".

Tonight, Messi is the groom in the Qatari Bisht 🇶🇦🙋 ♂️ # Qatar 2022 |

#World_Cup_Qatar_2022 |

#Argentina_France #WorldCupQatar2022 |

#Qatar2022 |

#FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/iuYVdFmfD8

- beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS) December 18, 2022

Imran Mulla added that the matter was not limited to the British media only;

Rather, he arrived in France - too - on French BFM TV, critics reacted terrifyingly to Messi's wearing of the bisht - which is a pride in the Arab Gulf countries - as they mocked him, describing him as a "dried local rag" and "a bathrobe." .

And as French Muslims know, the French media finds any form of Islamic clothing outrageous and wrong.

Summary of the final match Argentina and France |

Lionel Messi's Argentina wins the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ #Qatar2022 |

#World_Cup_Qatar_2022 |

#Argentina_France #WorldCupQatar2022 |

#Qatar2022 |

#FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/PigC07yAL2

- beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS) December 18, 2022

Bigotry

The British writer called for calling things by their names: classifying that is blind fanaticism;

Many in the Arab world could be forgiven for assuming that some European journalists, out of anger at Qatar's human rights record, despised Islam and Arab culture, explaining that "Western coverage of the World Cup revealed the cultural arrogance of many journalists. They treat European standards unfairly." It is neutral and the gold standard."

"This aggressive chauvinism was a feature of the Western coverage of this World Cup," he added. Keep in mind the common complaint that the tournament should not have been held in winter, and that was the case;

Because the summer heat in Qatar is too intense, and he pointed out that the content of this Western grievance is that Europeans should not be bothered, and that the rest of the world should acquiesce to Europe's preferences.

The writer pointed to the reaction to the ban on alcohol in stadiums, some in the British media portrayed it as a selfish reflection of Islamic culture, which would spoil the experience of ticket holders, but many fans from all over the world - including women and not only Muslims They felt safer and more at home, and were pleased with the new rules.

"The Western media and political class have always insisted that the rest of the world embrace its sensibilities and values, and this may explain why they are so angry at Qatar's confident emphasis on the exclusivity of its culture," the writer explained.

The championship is over, but its special moments remain engraved in the memory.

What is the most unforgettable scene from the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™? #Qatar2022 |

#WorldCupQatar2022 #WorldCupQatar2022 |

#Qatar2022 |

#FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/heCoVp29u3

- beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS) December 19, 2022

Brilliant World Cup

Writer Imran Mulla stated that for the Arab world, this year's World Cup was a cause for pride, as it is the first to be held in the Middle East, noting that manifestations of solidarity with Palestine were a constant feature of the tournament.

For many Muslims, it was very touching to hear the Qur’an recited at the opening ceremony, and he added: “Meanwhile, scores of fans from European countries embraced their stay in Qatar as an opportunity to learn about Islam and Qatari culture, visit mosques, make new friends and wear traditional clothes,” explaining that A much-needed stimulating level of cultural exchange and cosmopolitanism has been seen in an increasingly divided world.”

The writer concluded his article: “The BBC, especially Lineker, the French media, which is famous for intolerance, and much of the British press, owe a huge apology to Qatar. It is time to admit that they made a mistake, and that Qatar hosted one of the most amazing FIFA World Cup tournaments in History".