FIFA chief Infantino accuses West of 'hypocrisy' before opening ceremony of FIFA 2022

Doha: On the eve of the World Cup, Gianni Infantino, the president of FIFA, termed " Western criticism on Qatar's human rights record "hypocrisy."

At a news conference in Doha, Infantino delivered an unusual monologue during which he vehemently defended Qatar and the tournament for an hour.

The event has been overshadowed by problems in Qatar, such as the oppression of LGBT people and the deaths of migrant labourers.

Infantino, who was born in Switzerland, suggested that instead of concentrating on the problems of migrant workers in Qatar, European countries should apologise for crimes against humanity from their own past.

He opened by saying: "Today I have strong feelings. Today I feel Qatari, I feel Arab, I feel African, I feel gay, I feel disabled, I feel a migrant worker."

On Sunday, host Qatar will open the tournament against Ecuador at Al Bayt Stadium (16:00 GMT).

The Guardian reported in February 2021 that since Qatar's victorious World Cup bid, 6,500 migrant workers from India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka have died there.

The number is based on data provided by the embassies of the nations in Qatar.

The Qatari government, however, claimed that the figure was inaccurate since not all of the fatalities reported were workers engaged in World Cup-related activity.

The government claimed that only three of the 37 deaths of workers at World Cup stadium construction sites between 2014 and 2020 were "work-related," according to accident records.

The International Labour Organization (ILO), however, claimed that was an underestimate.

Infantino said: "We have been taught many lessons from Europeans and the Western world. I am European. For what we have been doing for 3,000 years around the world, we should be apologising for the next 3,000 years before giving moral lessons.

"If Europe really cares about the destiny of these people, they can create legal channels - like Qatar did - where a number of these workers can come to Europe to work. Give them some future, some hope.

"I have difficulties understanding the criticism. We have to invest in helping these people, in education and to give them a better future and more hope. We should all educate ourselves. Many things are not perfect but reform and change take time.

"This one-sided moral lesson is just hypocrisy. I wonder why no one recognises the progress made here since 2016.

"It is not easy to take the critics of a decision that was made 12 years ago. Qatar is ready. It will be the best World Cup ever.

"I don't have to defend Qatar, they can defend themselves. I defend football. Qatar has made progress and I feel many other things as well.

"Of course, I am not Qatari, Arab, African, gay, disabled or a migrant worker. But I feel like them because I know what it means to be discriminated against and bullied as a foreigner in a foreign country.

"As a child, I was bullied because I had red hair and freckles. I was bullied for that."

Speaking later on Saturday, England defender Eric Dier said: "The World Cup was awarded to Qatar in 2010 and I was 16 at the time. We as players have no decision on where we play. Those decisions are made above us.

"It's a difficult situation for us. Every team and player will face it throughout the tournament. It's disappointing."

Qatar boss Felix Sanchez said: "A lot has been said about this, some misinformation and some of the comments were not completely fair. The loss of human life during working hours is the greatest tragedy, whether here in Qatar or anywhere in the world.

"Let's hope at this World Cup we can all together work to benefit the conditions for these groups, not just in Qatar but everywhere in the world."

Qatar has been under pressure to build a migrant workers' centre and Infantino announced a "dedicated and permanent office" in Doha, following discussions with the government and the ILO.

He also stated that workers who had an accident "receive compensation by law".

"Depending on the magnitude, it can be several years of salary," he added.

Infantino signed a contract that will assist 25 million children and women in India and added that Fifa's Qatar 2022 legacy fund will go toward education.

Alcohol ban in stadiums

Fifa stated that no alcohol would be provided to supporters at any of the eight World Cup stadiums just two days before the start of the competition, BBC reported.

Despite the fact that its sale in the Muslim nation was severely regulated, it was planned to be offered "in select areas within stadiums."

Alcoholic beverages will still be available for purchase in stadium corporate areas.

Addressing the decision, Infantino said: "If this is the biggest issue we have for the World Cup then I will resign immediately and go to the beach to relax.

"Let me first assure you that every decision taken at this World Cup is a joint decision between Qatar and Fifa.

"There will be many fan zones where you can buy alcohol in Qatar and fans can simultaneously drink alcohol. I think if for three hours a day you cannot drink a beer, you will survive.

"Especially because the same rules apply in France, Spain, Portugal and Scotland. Here it has become a big thing because it is a Muslim country? I don't know why. We tried and that is why I give you the late change of policy. We tried to see if it was possible."

Since Qatar was chosen to host the World Cup in 2010, there have been concerns and criticisms.

As soon as you believed the most anticipated World Cup was about to begin, Infantino burst into an amazing, pre-written diatribe that surprised everyone in the room into silence.

In the news conference auditorium, 400 journalists and camera crew members initially stared around in shock before their jaws dropped as Infantino launched into a 54-minute speech that made no excuses for the way the media covered migrant workers, the LGBT community, or the last-minute U-turn on alcohol consumption.

In addition, Infantino answered questions from the audience. He was questioned about the "focus on football" letter distributed to the 32 participating nations, tournament boycotters, and England vs. Iran.

The news conference then took a dramatic turn as Bryan Swanson, the director of media relations for FIFA, spoke to the audience.

Ex-Sky Sports reporter Swanson said: "I am sitting here as a gay man in Qatar. We have received assurances that everyone will be welcome and I believe everyone will be.

"Just because he is not gay, does not mean he does not care. He does. You see the public side and I see the private side. I have thought long and hard about whether I should say this. I do feel strongly about it.

"We care about everyone at Fifa. I have a number of gay colleagues. I am fully aware of the debate and fully respect people's opinions. When he says we are inclusive. He means it."