England and Wales plan Qatar World Cup propaganda push
Robert Carter
Press TV, London
England and Wales football Association's are pushing ahead with plans to peddle political messages at this year's World Cup football tournament hosted by Qatar.
In a joint statement with eight other European federations, England and Wales insisted they will continue to press off-field issues in spite of a FIFA plea to "focus on football".
National teams and their players picking this sporting event to push western world views on to the Arab world is unprecedented creating a culture war at a competition which should normally remain free from politics Doha has come under fire for it's human rights record, including poor treatment of migrant workers who built the competition infrastructure. But the criticism also goes further, with activists attacking Qataris over their religious and cultural beliefs too. Such as bans on alcohol, pre-marital relations and western LGBTQ culture. However, onlookers from the Muslim world have been less impressed by the anti-Qatar bandwagon.
This is the first time the World Cup has even been hosted in the Middle East. Qatar's authorities have promised to provide a welcoming environment to all. This week, Doha's FM responded angrily to what he called European "arrogance" and "double standards". Many expect that activists on and off the pitch will stage protests throughout the competition how Qatar will police this remains to be seen.
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