The Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, confirmed that all fans will be welcomed to the World Cup, which his country is hosting this year, “without discrimination”.
The organizers of the tournament, which kicks off in the Gulf state on November 20, have struggled to convince human rights groups that gay communities will not be subjected to any measures at the World Cup.
Sheikh Tamim said before the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday: “Today we are on the threshold of receiving teams from all over the world and their fans, and we open our doors to everyone without exception to enjoy football and the atmosphere of the tournament to the fullest. enthusiasm.”
“The Qatari people will open their arms to welcome football fans of all stripes,” he added, without mentioning specific groups.
He believed that “in this tournament, which is the first time in an Arab-Muslim country and the first time in the Middle East in general, the world will see that one of the small and medium-sized countries is able to host global events with exceptional success, and is also able to provide a comfortable space for diversity. and constructive interaction between people.
Qatar expects more than a million people to visit during the World Cup.
