Qatar in the assault of the 2022 World Cup in the wind and Kuwait hits hard

Intense pressure and major crises to which the small emirate of the Gulf was confronted before the big event

The pressure on Qatar has risen sharply following comments by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, hinting that the small emirate could not host the FIFA World Cup 2022, adding that some of the big events could be moved to the neighboring countries.

"Qatar are preparing to host the World Cup with the participation of 32 teams in eight stadiums and any extension will mean that extra matches will have to be played out of the country," said Infantino in an interview. in The Guardian newspaper.

"I have not been elected to occupy an office and open playgrounds in a beautiful country, but I am here," he told the Dubai International Sports Conference (DIFC). There are strong teams like Italy, Cameroon and the United States who did not participate in the last World Cup ", indirect sign of his desire to increase the number of 39 teams participating in Qatar 2022, without waiting for 2026.

Bad relationship with neighbors
Given the poor relations that Qatar has with its Gulf neighbors, it would be highly unlikely that these countries would agree to participate in the event unless the Gulf emirate complies with the conditions imposed on its neighbors to stop sowing discord in the region and to pledge not to inject money into terrorist groups or organizations. Extremist or anti-Arab regimes, which should not be resolved in the short term because of the intransigence of the national system and its hostility towards its neighbors.

"I think that Qatar will continue in 2019 because it is linked to the necessary changes in the direction of Doha if the country fails to dismantle the measures that will thwart it despite the cost," said Anwar Gargash, Minister of Foreign Affairs United Arab Emirates. The position of the country is determined by the former emir and through him, he defends the legacy of Doha in its difficult situation.

"The debate over Qatar's inability to host the World Cup without the contribution of its neighbors transcends sport and logistics and highlights the natural need of countries for their environment." the politics of the old prince goes beyond the political dimension, as we see it, "he added.

Kuwait hit it
Although Kuwait is not one of the boycotted countries in Doha, he said on his behalf that the president of the Kuwaiti federation, Ahmed Al Yousif, refused to host World Cup matches. Al Yousuf pointed out that it was difficult to apply some of the conditions of the main Viva, The most important is to allow all nationalities, including Israeli women, to enter the country and issue immediate visas upon their arrival, from As much as this condition forbids the entry of any nationality, whether it belongs to a team or to supporters.

He added: "Even if we ask or identify the identity of the teams that will play in Kuwait, it is also possible to prevent the entry of masses encouraged by any nationality."

"Some spirits companies sponsor the tournament and want to sell and promote their products in stadiums, which is banned and criminal in Kuwait, so how are we going to solve this problem?"

Kuwait's statements are a blow to the Doha efforts to distribute some games to its neighbors because they can not accommodate 48 fans, which puts Viva in an embarrassing position: either to withdraw the organization of Qatar, or to abandon its objectives of developing and developing by increasing participation and increasing the number of teams. Now, not in 2026, especially what could lead to the loss of huge advertising contracts expected, and significant profits will contribute to the development of competitions "Viva" and development of the game.

Tax Concerns
In a report of the Russian news agency Sputnik, she said she was concerned about the imposition in Qatar of a tax on alcohol and spirits resulting from the tax. influx of supporters in the small emirate during the World Cup.

"The issue of rising alcohol prices will likely be a sore issue in the prospect of the 2022 World Cup, which is expected to attract more than 1.5 million international visitors," wrote L & # 39; Russian agency.

Last week, the Gulf emirate imposed a 100% tax on alcohol, energy and tobacco, while a 50% tax on soft drinks has imposed.

"With the new tax, the group of six packs of beer, worth more than £ 20, will be aimed at expatriates and football fans in Qatar," said the Russian agency.

Authorities based in Qatar have allowed alcohol to the public to watch the tournament. The secretary general of the Qatari Projects and Heritage Committee, Hassan al-Thawadi, said in earlier statements that the masses could drink alcohol in specific areas, stressing that the authorities would deal with "a great kindness "Anyone drunk in a public place.

Workers are not paid
In a related context, a recent Amnesty International report said that dozens of foreign workers working in the host city of the 2022 World Cup final in Qatar have not been paid for months.

A UN survey, announced last September, revealed that a construction contractor from the city of Lusail "had destroyed the lives of some workers," where they were not paid for "problems of liquidity, "according to the BBC.

At least 78 workers from Nepal, India and the Philippines benefit from an average financial benefit of $ 2,000. The workers are involved in the construction of the city of Lusail, which will include parks, water facilities and a playground village, as well as a stadium for 80,000 people. It is planned to organize the opening match and the final.

A spokesman for FIFA ended his relationship with the World Cup saying: "There is no reason to think that the crisis is linked to FIFA or the 2022 World Cup." But this casts a shadow over the ability of the small emirate of the Gulf to host the great football event, How many great crises have not yet been resolved and they faced a few years ago to participate in the tournament.