French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed that he is against a boycott of the World Cup in Qatar and stressed that “sport should not be politicized.”
“These questions should not be asked prior to the start of events,” Macron told reporters on the sidelines of an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in Thailand.
He added: “Rather, these questions should be asked when the right to host an event is granted, whether it’s the World Cup or the Olympics, we should honestly ask ourselves this question.”
“Whether it is a question about climate or human rights, it is not necessary to ask it when the event comes,” the French president continued.
“The purpose of these major events is to allow athletes from all countries, including sometimes from countries that are at war, to allow sport to exist, and sometimes through sport to find ways to talk when people can’t,” Macron said. Speaking.”
The Emir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, confirmed that his country has been subjected to an unprecedented campaign since winning the hosting of the World Cup, indicating that they consider some of the criticism positive and helpful.
In the capital of Qatar, Doha, from November to December, for the first time in an Arab country and in the Middle East, the 22nd World Cup will be held.
Source: French media + agencies