Qatar hits back at World Cup criticism

DUBAI: Qatar yesterday strongly criticised Emirati officials for questioning Doha’s hosting of the 2022 Fifa World Cup, saying the tournament “is not up for discussion or negotiation” amid a diplomatic crisis engulfing the region.

It comes as four Arab nations, including the United Arab Emirates, have been boycotting Qatar for months, in part over allegations that it supports extremists and has overly-warm ties to Iran. Qatar has denied supporting extremists, while it shares a massive offshore natural gas field with Tehran.

This shows the boycott “is founded on petty jealousy, not real concerns”, Qatar said. “This demand is an attempt to undermine our independence. The World Cup, like our sovereignty, is not up for discussion or negotiation.”

Lobbying firms and interest groups funded by the boycotting Arab nations have focused on Qatar’s hosting of the soccer tournament, noting allegations of corruption in Qatar’s winning bid, and the conditions labourers in Qatar face in building infrastructure for the games. Such conditions are prevalent across Gulf Arab nations.

Dubai security official Lieutenant-General Dhahi Khalfan earlier tweeted the only way for “Qatar’s crisis” to end is if Doha gives up the tournament. He later said his “personal analysis” on Doha had been misunderstood. – AP