On the eve of the World Cup in Qatar, FIFA president Gianni Infantino has hit out at critics of the host country's treatment of migrant workers. In lengthy remarks, he said that engagement was the only way to improve human rights | More:
The game's global governing body has been criticised for its decision to take the finals to Qatar, where the treatment of migrant workers and the rights of LGBTQ+ people have been in the spotlight.
Infantino added:"Today I feel Qatari. Today I feel Arabic. Today I feel African. Today I feel gay. Today I feel disabled. Today I feel a migrant worker. Infantino, who took a range of questions after the lengthy speech, remains adamant that members of the LGBTQ+ community will be safe and welcome in Qatar, despite the country's laws which criminalise same-sex relationships.
Asked whether Qatar could move the goalposts on these commitments, citing the late change on the sale of alcohol at stadiums, Infantino replied:"It's never too late to change, maybe we will have to change on other topics but when it comes to the security of people, when you speak about LGBT people, everyone's security is granted from highest level of country.
"Let me just assure you that every decision taken at this World Cup is a joint decision. Every decision is discussed and debated and taken jointly. There will be many big fan zones, eight to 10 fan zones, where you can buy alcohol. Up to 100,000 people can simultaneously drink alcohol.
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