Doha: FIFA President Gianni Infantino on Saturday blasted the “hypocrisy” of Western critics of Qatar’s human rights record, making a passionate defense of the World Cup in the Gulf state at kick-off.
The build-up to the tournament has been dominated by concerns over Qatar’s treatment of migrant workers, women and the LGBTQ community, prompting displeasure among organizers.
Qatar Officials say their country has been the target of “racism” and “double standards” and point to reforms on working conditions and safety that have been identified as important in the region.
Football once again focused on off-field politics on Saturday, just 24 hours before hosts Qatar kicked off the tournament against Ecuador.
Speaking at his opening press conference of the tournament in Doha, Infantino had harsh words for him Critics of Qatar.
“This moralizing – one-sided – is just hypocrisy,” said the global football supremo.
“I don’t want to give you any life lessons, but what’s going on here is a huge, huge injustice.”
Infantino’s remarks drew a backlash from rights group Amnesty International, which accused the FIFA chief of “brushing aside legitimate criticism”.
“Gianni Infantino is rejecting the high price paid by migrant workers to make his flagship tournament possible – as well as FIFA’s responsibility for it,” Amnesty said.
“Demands for equality, dignity and reparations cannot be treated as a kind of culture war.”
Another issue that has dominated the build-up to the tournament is the sale of beer in the Islamic State, which strictly prohibits the consumption of alcohol.
Organizers made a dramatic U-turn on Friday, banning the sale of beer around the stadium just 48 hours before kick-off.
Infantino highlighted the last-minute change on Saturday.
“I personally think if you can’t drink beer for three hours a day, you’re going to survive,” he said.
Elsewhere on Saturday, there were signs of further controversy over the decision of several players – including England captain Harry Kane and Germany captain Manuel Neuer – to wear “OneLove” armbands to promote diversity and inclusion.
The move raises the possibility of disciplinary action from FIFA, which on Saturday revealed plans to strip teams of their replacement arms. The FIFA armbands will feature a different social campaign for each era.
Neuer, however, said he plans to wear the rainbow-colored “OneLove” armband.
“Other European countries are wearing (armbands) and it is good that we are doing it together,” he said.
Ronaldo arrived.
Cristiano Ronaldo arrived in Qatar late on Friday, eager to focus on football after his explosive tirade against his club Manchester United.
The Portugal forward, who has dominated world football for the past 15 years alongside Argentina’s Lionel Messi, will play in his fifth and likely final. World Cup.
The 37-year-old, who has a world-record 117 international goals, is aiming to become the first player to score in five World Cups.
Ronaldo appeared to be heading for the Old Trafford exit but earlier this week pledged to give “full and complete attention to the work of the national team” in a social media post.
Ronaldo’s Portugal team-mate Bernardo Silva insisted the controversy surrounding the veteran would not distract from preparations for the tournament.
“The news from England has nothing to do with the national team,” Silva said, denying any tension in the Portuguese camp.
“I don’t see any strange atmosphere in our team between Cristiano and any other player,” he said.
Almost all the heavyweight teams have now arrived in Qatar, except for five-time champions Brazil, who are due to land late on Saturday.
Brazil, who boast a star-studded forward line led by Neymar, are favorites to win the tournament for the first time since 2002, with Messi also favored by Argentina and France.
Croatia, finalists at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, warned they have what it takes to go deep into the tournament again.
Led by impressive captain Luka Modric, Croatia reached the final in Russia four years ago before losing 4-2 to France.
“I think we have a really good chance like we did in Russia,” forward Marko Levaja said.