Don’t politicise sport: Macron
French President Emmanuel Macron called for non-politicisation of sports, considering that such behaviour is a “very bad idea.”
He added it was “a very bad idea to politicise sport”, while noting that Paris will host the Olympic Games in 2024.
The French national team, defending its title, will participate in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, which will start Sunday until Dec.18. France’s national football team arrived in Doha Wednesday evening to participate in the World Cup. The French team will go through the last preparations in Doha before playing the first match with the Australian team on Nov. 22.
The French president made the remarks to reporters upon his arrival in Bangkok to participate in the summit of the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC). Meanwhile, French ambassador to Qatar Jean-Baptiste Faivre said that the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 will be a big and influential event in the region and worldwide, highlighting that it is the first of its kind in the Arab region and the Middle East.
He told the Qatar News Agency (QNA) in Doha that his country supports its friend Qatar in making this event a success, highlighting France’s full commitment to support Qatari organisations in all fields.
Faivre added that the two sides had an effective co-operation during the 2006 Asian Games, especially in the security, defence, culture, and social participation fields among others.
The ambassador said that he is impressed with the infrastructure built for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and the eight stadiums that will host the matches.
He also said he is impressed with the huge leap in the state’s transportation sector, particularly Doha Metro and Lusail Tram.
The envoy said they represent a wonderful display of FrenchQatari co-operation in hosting the World Cup.
He cited Accor’s operating of 25,000 hotel rooms to welcome guests during the competition as another example.
Faivre wished the Qatar team well during the competition, and expressed his hope that champions France can defend the title.
He expects French fans and visitors to enjoy a wonderful stay in Qatar.
He noted that the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 is a big turning point for Qatar, adding that the authorities implemented many reforms in the field of labour protection, in co-operation with the International Labour Organisation (ILO), which established a regional office in Doha in 2017, and expressed his hope that these reforms will continue.