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  • US top diplomat Blinken will attend World Cup in Qatar

    US top diplomat Blinken will attend World Cup in Qatar

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    Top U.S. diplomat Antony Blinken will attend the World Cup in Qatar, a U.S. official confirmed to POLITICO Monday.

    Blinken, the U.S. secretary of state, will be in Al-Rayyan for the U.S. vs. Wales match on November 21, on day two of the most controversial World Cup in decades. He is also expected to hold talks with Qatari leaders.

    Qatar has faced blowback ever since it was awarded the tournament in 2010. Bribery and corruption allegations dogged the bidding process, and the country’s human rights record and its treatment of migrant workers have been slammed by activists, politicians and football associations.

    Blinken’s attendance is a signal that, despite the criticism that has plagued the tournament, senior diplomatic figures have not been put off attending. Qatar has emerged as a key strategic ally for the West on energy security, as Russia’s war on Ukraine wreaks havoc on Europe’s gas supply.

    On the same day as the U.S. takes on Wales, Blinken will also hold talks with Qatari leaders as part of an ongoing strategic dialogue with the Middle Eastern country, a former U.S. official told POLITICO.

    U.K. Foreign Secretary James Cleverly announced Monday that he also would be attending the tournament. He told the British parliament’s foreign affairs committee that fans traveling to Qatar should “respect the law” while they’re in the country, a comment that drew a sharp rebuke from an LGBTQ+ member of the committee.

    A spokesperson for the U.S. State Department said it had no travel plans to announce.

    U.S. President Joe Biden is not expected to attend any of the events, even though the U.S. is — along with Canada and Mexico — hosting the next men’s World Cup in 2026.

    The U.S. will also play England on November 25, and face off against Iran on November 29, in what is certain to be a politically charged encounter.

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    Nahal Toosi and Ali Walker

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  • Qatar 2022: World Cup squad lists

    Qatar 2022: World Cup squad lists

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    It is surely an athlete’s greatest honour to wear the shirt of your nation, knowing you are among the best your country has to offer, and to pit your skills against the best in the world, representing everyone at home.

    The 32 teams that have qualified for the 2022 World Cup will each bring 26 of their stars to Qatar. But who is in?

    Here are the squads named so far:

    Argentina

    Goalkeepers

    • Emiliano Martínez (Aston Villa)
    • Gerónimo Rulli (Villarreal)
    • Franco Armani (River Plate)

    Defenders

    • Nahuel Molina (Atletico Madrid)
    • Gonzalo Montiel (Sevilla)
    • Marcos Acuña (Sevilla)
    • Cristian Romero (Tottenham)
    • Germán Pezzella (Real Betis)
    • Nicolás Otamendi (Benfica)
    • Lisandro Martínez (Manchester United)
    • Nicolás Tagliafico (Lyon)
    • Juan Foyth (Villarreal)

    Midfielders

    • Rodrigo De Paul (Atletico Madrid)
    • Leandro Paredes (Juventus)
    • Alexis Mac Allister (Brighton)
    • Guido Rodríguez (Real Betis)
    • Papu Gómez (Sevilla)
    • Enzo Fernández (Benfica)
    • Exequiel Palacios (Bayer Leverkusen)

    Forwards

    • Ángel Di María (Juventus)
    • Lautaro Martínez (Inter Milan)
    • Joaquín Correa (Inter Milan)
    • Julián Álvarez (Manchester City)
    • Paulo Dybala (Roma)
    • Nicolás González (Fiorentina)
    • Lionel Messi (Paris Saint-Germain)

    Australia

    Goalkeepers

    • Mat Ryan (FC Copenhagen)
    • Danny Vukovic (Central Coast Mariners)
    • Andrew Redmayne (Sydney FC)

    Defenders

    • Harry Souttar (Stoke City)
    • Milos Degenek (Columbus Crew)
    • Bailey Wright (Sunderland)
    • Thomas Deng (Albirex Niigata)
    • Fran Karacic (Brescia)
    • Nathaniel Atkinson (Heart of Midlothian)
    • Aziz Behich (Dundee United)
    • Kye Rowles (Heart of Midlothian)
    • Joel King (Odense Boldklub)

    Midfielders

    • Aaron Mooy (Celtic)
    • Jackson Irvine (FC St. Pauli)
    • Ajdin Hrustic (Hellas Verona)
    • Cameron Devlin (Heart of Midlothian)
    • Riley McGree (Middlesbrough)
    • Keanu Baccus (St Mirren)

    Forwards

    • Jamie Maclaren (Melbourne City)
    • Mitchell Duke (Fagiano Okayama)
    • Jason Cummings (Central Coast Mariners)
    • Garang Kuol (Central Coast Mariners)
    • Awer Mabil (Cadiz)
    • Mathew Leckie (Melbourne City)
    • Craig Goodwin (Adelaide United)
    • Martin Boyle (Hibernian)

    Belgium

    Goalkeepers

    • Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid)
    • Simon Mignolet (Club Brugge)
    • Koen Casteels (VfL Wolfsburg)

    Defenders

    • Jan Vertonghen (Anderlecht)
    • Toby Alderweireld (Royal Antwerp)
    • Leander Dendoncker (Aston Villa)
    • Zeno Debast (Anderlecht)
    • Arthur Theate (Rennes)
    • Wout Faes (Leicester City)

    Midfielders

    • Hans Vanaken (Club Brugge)
    • Axel Witsel (Atletico Madrid)
    • Youri Tielemans (Leicester City)
    • Amadou Onana (Everton)
    • Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)
    • Yannick Carrasco (Atletico Madrid)
    • Thorgan Hazard (Borussia Dortmund)
    • Timothy Castagne (Leicester City)
    • Thomas Meunier (Borussia Dortmund)

    Forwards

    • Romelu Lukaku (Inter Milan)
    • Michy Batshuayi (Fenerbahce)
    • Lois Openda (Racing Lens)
    • Charles De Ketelaere (AC Milan)
    • Eden Hazard (Real Madrid)
    • Jeremy Doku (Rennes)
    • Dries Mertens (Galatasaray)
    • Leandro Trossard (Brighton & Hove Albion)

    Brazil

    Goalkeepers

    • Alisson (Liverpool)
    • Ederson (Manchester City)
    • Weverton (Palmeiras)

    Defenders

    • Bremer (Juventus)
    • Eder Militao (Real Madrid)
    • Marquinhos (Paris St Germain)
    • Thiago Silva (Chelsea)
    • Danilo (Juventus)
    • Dani Alves (UNAM Pumas)
    • Alex Sandro (Juventus)
    • Alex Telles (Sevilla)

    Midfielders

    • Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle United)
    • Casemiro (Manchester United)
    • Everton Ribeiro (Flamengo)
    • Fabinho (Liverpool)
    • Fred (Manchester United)
    • Lucas Paqueta (West Ham United)

    Forwards

    • Antony (Manchester United)
    • Gabriel Jesus (Arsenal)
    • Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal)
    • Neymar Jr (Paris St Germain)
    • Pedro (Flamengo)
    • Raphinha (Barcelona)
    • Richarlison (Tottenham Hotspur)
    • Rodrygo (Real Madrid)
    • Vinicius Jr (Real Madrid)

    Cameroon

    Goalkeepers

    • Devis Epassy (Abha Club)
    • Simon Ngapandouetnbu (Olympique de Marseille)
    • Andre Onana (Inter Milan)

    Defenders

    • Jean-Charles Castelletto (Nantes)
    • Enzo Ebosse (Udinese)
    • Collins Fai (Al Tai)
    • Olivier Mbaizo (Philadelphia Union)
    • Nicolas Nkoulou (Aris Salonika)
    • Tolo Nouhou (Seattle Sounders)
    • Christopher Wooh (Stade Rennes)

    Midfielders

    • Martin Hongla (Verona)
    • Pierre Kunde (Olympiakos)
    • Olivier Ntcham (Swansea City)
    • Gael Ondoua (Hannover 96)
    • Samuel Oum Gouet (Mechelen)
    • Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa (Napoli)

    Forwards

    • Vincent Aboubakar (Al Nassr)
    • Christian Bassogog (Shanghai Shenhua)
    • Eric-Maxime Choupo Moting (Bayern Munich)
    • Souaibou Marou (Coton Sport)
    • Bryan Mbeumo (Brentford)
    • Nicolas Moumi Ngamaleu (Young Boys Berne)
    • Jerome Ngom (Colombe Dja)
    • Georges-Kevin Nkoudou (Besiktas)
    • Jean-Pierre Nsame (Young Boys Berne)
    • Karl Toko Ekambi (Olympique Lyonnais)

    Costa Rica

    Goalkeepers

    • Keylor Navas (Paris St Germain)
    • Esteban Alvarado (Herediano)
    • Patrick Sequeira (CD Lugo)

    Defenders

    • Francisco Calvo (Konyaspor)
    • Juan Pablo Vargas (Millonarios FC)
    • Kendall Waston (Saprissa)
    • Oscar Duarte (Al-Wehda)
    • Daniel Chacon (Colorado Rapids)
    • Keysher Fuller (Herediano)
    • Carlos Martinez (San Carlos)
    • Bryan Oviedo (Real Salt Lake)
    • Ronald Matarrita (Cincinnati)

    Midfielders

    • Yeltsin Tejeda (Herediano)
    • Celso Borges (Alajuelense)
    • Youstin Salas (Saprissa)
    • Roan Wilson (Grecia)
    • Gerson Torres (Herediano)
    • Douglas Lopez (Herediano)
    • Jewisson Bennette (Sunderland)
    • Alvaro Zamora (Saprissa)
    • Anthony Hernandez (Puntarenas FC)
    • Brandon Aguilera (Nottingham Forest)
    • Bryan Ruiz (Alajuelense)

    Forwards

    • Joel Campbell (Leon)
    • Anthony Contreras (Herediano)
    • Johan Venegas (Alajuelense)

    Croatia

    Goalkeepers

    • Dominik Livakovic (Dinamo Zagreb)
    • Ivica Ivusic (NK Osijek)
    • Ivo Grbic (Atletico Madrid)

    Defenders

    • Domagoj Vida (AEK Athens)
    • Dejan Lovren (Zenit St Petersburg)
    • Borna Barisic (Rangers)
    • Josip Juranovic (Celtic)
    • Josko Gvardiol (RB Leipzig)
    • Borna Sosa (VfB Stuttgart)
    • Josip Stanisic (Bayern Munich)
    • Martin Erlic (Sassuolo)
    • Josip Sutalo (Dinamo Zagreb)

    Midfielders

    • Luka Modric (Real Madrid)
    • Mateo Kovacic (Chelsea)
    • Marcelo Brozovic (Inter Milan)
    • Mario Pasalic (Atalanta)
    • Nikola Vlasic (Torino)
    • Lovro Majer (Stade Rennais)
    • Kristijan Jakic (Eintracht Frankfurt)
    • Luka Sucic (Salzburg)

    Forwards

    • Ivan Perisic (Tottenham Hotspur)
    • Andrej Kramaric (Hoffenheim)
    • Bruno Petkovic (Dinamo Zagreb)
    • Mislav Orsic (Dinamo Zagreb)
    • Ante Budimir (Osasuna)
    • Marko Livaja (Hajduk Split)

    Denmark

    Goalkeepers

    • Kasper Schmeichel (Nice)
    • Oliver Christensen (Hertha Berlin)

    Defenders

    • Simon Kjaer (AC Milan)
    • Joachim Andersen (Crystal Palace)
    • Joakim Maehle (Atalanta)
    • Andreas Christensen (Barcelona)
    • Rasmus Kristensen (Leeds United)
    • Jens Stryger Larsen (Trabzonspor)
    • Victor Nelsson (Galatasaray)
    • Daniel Wass (Brondby)

    Midfielders

    • Thomas Delaney (Sevilla)
    • Mathias Jensen (Brentford)
    • Christian Eriksen (Manchester United)
    • Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (Tottenham Hotspur)

    Forwards

    • Andreas Skov Olsen (Club Bruges)
    • Jesper Lindstrom (Eintracht Frankfurt)
    • Andreas Cornelius (FC Copenhagen)
    • Martin Braithwaite (Espanyol)
    • Kasper Dolberg (Sevilla)
    • Mikkel Damsgaard (Brentford)
    • Jonas Wind (VfL Wolfsburg)

    England

    Goalkeepers

    • Jordan Pickford (Everton)
    • Nick Pope (Newcastle United)
    • Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal)

    Defenders

    • Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool)
    • Conor Coady (Everton)
    • Eric Dier (Tottenham Hotspur)
    • Harry Maguire (Manchester United)
    • Luke Shaw (Manchester United)
    • John Stones (Manchester City)
    • Kieran Trippier (Newcastle United)
    • Kyle Walker (Manchester City)
    • Ben White (Arsenal)

    Midfielders

    • Jude Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund)
    • Conor Gallagher (Chelsea)
    • Jordan Henderson (Liverpool)
    • Mason Mount (Chelsea)
    • Kalvin Phillips (Manchester City)
    • Declan Rice (West Ham United)

    Forwards

    • Phil Foden (Manchester City)
    • Jack Grealish (Manchester City)
    • Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur)
    • James Maddison (Leicester City)
    • Marcus Rashford (Manchester United)
    • Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)
    • Raheem Sterling (Chelsea)
    • Callum Wilson (Newcastle United)
    FIFA World Cup 2022, Doha, Qatar
    Doha has been entering into the spirit of the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar [Showkat Shafi/Al Jazeera]

    France

    Goalkeepers

    • Alphonse Areola (West Ham United)
    • Hugo Lloris (Tottenham Hotspur)
    • Steve Mandanda (Rennes)

    Defenders

    • Lucas Hernandez (Bayern Munich)
    • Theo Hernandez (AC Milan)
    • Presnel Kimpembe (Paris St Germain)
    • Ibrahima Konate (Liverpool)
    • Jules Kounde (Barcelona)
    • Benjamin Pavard (Bayern Munich)
    • William Saliba (Arsenal)
    • Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich)
    • Raphael Varane (Manchester United)

    Midfielders

    • Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid)
    • Youssouf Fofana (AS Monaco)
    • Matteo Guendouzi (Olympique de Marseille)
    • Adrien Rabiot (Juventus)
    • Aurelien Tchouameni (Real Madrid)
    • Jordan Veretout (Olympique de Marseille)

    Forwards

    • Karim Benzema (Real Madrid)
    • Kingsley Coman (Bayern Munich)
    • Ousmane Dembele (Barcelona)
    • Olivier Giroud (AC Milan)
    • Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid)
    • Kylian Mbappe (Paris St Germain)
    • Christopher Nkunku (RB Leipzig)

    Germany

    Goalkeepers

    • Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich)
    • Marc-Andre ter Stegen (Barcelona)
    • Kevin Trapp (Eintracht Frankfurt)

    Defenders

    • Matthias Ginter (Freiburg)
    • Antonio Ruediger (Real Madrid)
    • Niklas Suele (Borussia Dortmund)
    • Nico Schlotterbeck (Borussia Dortmund)
    • Thilo Kehrer (West Ham United)
    • David Raum (RB Leipzig)
    • Lukas Klostermann (RB Leipzig)
    • Armel Bella Kotchap (Southampton)
    • Christian Guenter (Freiburg)

    Midfielders

    • Ilkay Gundogan (Manchester City)
    • Jonas Hofmann (Borussia Moenchengladbach)
    • Leon Goretzka (Bayern Munich)
    • Serge Gnabry (Bayern Munich)
    • Leroy Sane (Bayern Munich)
    • Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich)
    • Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich)
    • Thomas Mueller (Bayern Munich)
    • Julian Brandt (Borussia Dortmund)
    • Mario Goetze (Eintracht Frankfurt)

    Forwards

    • Kai Havertz (Chelsea)
    • Youssoufa Moukoko (Borussia Dortmund)
    • Niklas Fuellkrug (Werder Bremen)
    • Karim Adeyemi (Borussia Dortmund)

    Japan

    Goalkeepers

    • Eiji Kawashima (Strasbourg)
    • Shuichi Gonda (Shimizu S-Pulse)
    • Daniel Schmidt (Sint-Truidense)

    Defenders

    • Yuto Nagatomo (Tokyo)
    • Maya Yoshida (Schalke 04)
    • Hiroki Sakai (Urawa Red Diamonds)
    • Shogo Taniguchi (Kawasaki Frontale)
    • Miki Yamane (Kawasaki Frontale)
    • Ko Itakura (Borussia Monchengladbach)
    • Takehiro Tomiyasu (Arsenal)
    • Hiroki Ito (Stuttgart)

    Midfielders

    • Gaku Shibasaki (Leganes)
    • Wataru Endo (Stuttgart)
    • Junya Ito (Reims)
    • Takumi Minamino (Monaco)
    • Hidemasa Morita (Sporting CP)
    • Daichi Kamada (Eintracht Frankfurt)
    • Yuki Soma (Nagoya Grampus)
    • Kaoru Mitoma (Brighton & Hove Albion)
    • Ritsu Doan (Freiburg)
    • Ao Tanaka (Fortuna Dusseldorf)
    • Takefusa Kubo (Real Sociedad)

    Forwards

    • Takuma Asano (Bochum)
    • Daizen Maeda (Celtic)
    • Ayase Ueda (Cercle Brugge)
    • Shuto Machino (Shonan Bellmare)

    Morocco

    Goalkeepers

    • Yassine Bounou (Sevilla)
    • Munir El Kajoui (Al Wehda)
    • Ahmed Reda Tagnaouti (Wydad Casablanca)

    Defenders

    • Nayef Aguerd (West Ham United)
    • Yahia Attiat Allah (Wydad Casablanca)
    • Badr Benoun (Qatar SC)
    • Achraf Dari (Stade Brest)
    • Jawad El Yamiq (Real Valladolid)
    • Achraf Hakimi (Paris St Germain)
    • Noussair Mazraoui (Bayern Munich)
    • Romain Saiss (Besiktas)

    Midfielders

    • Sofyan Amrabat (Fiorentina)
    • Selim Amallah (Standard Liege)
    • Bilal El Khannouss (Racing Genk)
    • Yahya Jabrane (Wydad Casablanca)
    • Azzedine Ounahi (Angers)
    • Abdelhamid Sabiri (Sampdoria)

    Forwards

    • Zakaria Aboukhlal (Toulouse)
    • Soufiane Boufal (Angers)
    • Ilias Chair (Queens Park Rangers)
    • Walid Cheddira (Bari)
    • Youssef En-Nesyri (Sevilla)
    • Abde Ezzalzouli (Osasuna)
    • Abderrazak Hamdallah (Al Ittihad)
    • Amine Harit (Olympique Marseille)
    • Hakim Ziyech (Chelsea)
    3 men near a large fifa world cup sign
    Qataris are looking forward to welcoming the world for the biggest football tournament on the planet [File: Ibraheem Al Omari/Reuters]

    Poland

    Goalkeepers

    • Wojciech Szczesny (Juventus)
    • Bartlomiej Dragowski (Spezia)
    • Lukasz Skorupski (Bologna)

    Defenders

    • Jan Bednarek (Aston Villa)
    • Kamil Glik (Benevento)
    • Robert Gumny (FC Augsburg)
    • Artur Jedrzejczyk (Legia Warsaw)
    • Jakub Kiwior (Spezia)
    • Mateusz Wieteska (Clermont)
    • Bartosz Bereszynski (Sampdoria)
    • Matty Cash (Aston Villa)
    • Nicola Zalewski (AS Roma)

    Midfielders

    • Krystian Bielik (Birmingham City)
    • Przemyslaw Frankowski (Lens)
    • Kamil Grosicki (Pogon Szczecin)
    • Grzegorz Krychowiak (Al-Shabab)
    • Jakub Kaminski (VfL Wolfsburg)
    • Michal Skoras (Lech Poznan)
    • Damian Szymanski (AEK Athens)
    • Sebastian Szymanski (Feyenoord)
    • Piotr Zielinski (Napoli)
    • Szymon Zurkowski (Fiorentina)

    Forwards

    • Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona)
    • Arkadiusz Milik (Juventus)
    • Krzysztof Piatek (Salernitana)
    • Karol Swiderski (Charlotte FC)

    Portugal

    Goalkeepers

    • Diogo Costa (FC Porto)
    • Jose Sa (Wolverhampton Wanderers FC)
    • Rui Patricio (AS Roma)

    Defenders

    • Diogo Dalot (Manchester United)
    • Joao Cancelo (Manchester City)
    • Danilo Pereira (Paris St Germain)
    • Pepe (FC Porto)
    • Ruben Dias (Manchester City)
    • Antonio Silva (SL Benfica)
    • Nuno Mendes (Paris St Germain)
    • Raphael Guerreiro (Borussia Dortmund)

    Midfielders

    • Joao Palhinha (Fulham FC)
    • Ruben Neves (Wolverhampton Wanderers)
    • Bernardo Silva (Manchester City)
    • Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)
    • Joao Mario (SL Benfica)
    • Matheus Nunes (Wolverhampton Wanderers FC)
    • Vitinha (Paris St Germain)
    • William Carvalho (Real Betis)
    • Otavio (FC Porto)

    Forwards

    • Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United)
    • Joao Felix (Atletico Madrid)
    • Rafael Leao (AC Milan)
    • Ricardo Horta (SC Braga)
    • Goncalo Ramos (FC Benfica)
    • Andre Silva (RB Leipzig)

    Senegal

    Goalkeepers

    • Seny Dieng (Queens Park Rangers)
    • Alfred Gomis (Rennes)
    • Édouard Mendy (Chelsea)

    Defenders

    • Pape Abou Cissé (Olympiacos)
    • Abdou Diallo (Leipzig)
    • Ismail Jakobs (Monaco)
    • Kalidou Koulibaly (Chelsea)
    • Formose Mendy (Amiens)
    • Youssouf Sabaly (Real Betis)
    • Fodé Ballo-Touré (AC Milan)

    Midfielders

    • Pathé Ciss (Rayo Vallecano)
    • Krepin Diatta (Monaco)
    • Idrissa Gueye (Everton)
    • Pape Gueye (Marseille)
    • Cheikhou Kouyaté (Nottingham Forest)
    • Mamadou Loum (Reading)
    • Nampalys Mendy (Leicester)
    • Moustapha Name (Pafos)
    • Pape Matar Sarr (Tottenham)

    Forwards

    • Boulaye Dia (Salernitana)
    • Bamba Dieng (Marseille)
    • Nicolas Jackson (Villarreal)
    • Sadio Mané (Bayern Munich)
    • Iliman Ndiaye (Sheffield United)
    • Ismaila Sarr (Watford)
    • Famara Diedhiou (Alanyaspor)

    Serbia

    Goalkeepers

    • Predrag Rajkovic (Mallorca)
    • Marko Dmitrovic (Sevilla)
    • Vanja Milinkovic-Savic (Torino)

    Defenders

    • Stefan Mitrovic (Getafe)
    • Nikola Milenkovic (Fiorentina)
    • Milos Veljkovic (Werder Bremen)
    • Strahinja Pavlovic (Red Bull Salzburg)
    • Strahinja Erakovic (Red Star Belgrade)
    • Filip Mladenovic (Legia Warsaw)
    • Srdjan Babic (Almeria)

    Midfielders

    • Nemanja Gudelj (Sevilla)
    • Sergej Milinkovic-Savic (Lazio)
    • Sasa Lukic (Torino)
    • Marko Grujic (Porto)
    • Filip Kostic (Juventus)
    • Uros Racic (Braga)
    • Nemanja Maksimovic (Getafe)
    • Ivan Ilic (Verona)
    • Andrija Zivkovic (PAOK)
    • Darko Lazovic (Verona)

    Forwards

    • Aleksandar Mitrovic (Fulham)
    • Dusan Tadic (Ajax)
    • Dusan Vlahovic (Juventus)
    • Filip Djuricic (Sampdoria)
    • Luka Jovic (Fiorentina)
    • Nemanja Radonjic (Torino)
    qatar
    Souq Waqif, a traditional marketplace in Doha, will be visited by hundreds of thousands of fans in the coming weeks [File: Marko Djurica/Reuters]

    Switzerland

    Goalkeepers

    • Gregor Kobel (Borussia Dortmund)
    • Yann Sommer (Borussia Monchengladbach)
    • Jonas Omlin (Montpellier)
    • Philipp Kohn (Salzburg)

    Defenders

    • Manuel Akanji (Manchester City)
    • Eray Comert (Valencia)
    • Nico Elvedi (Borussia Monchengladbach)
    • Fabian Schar (Newcastle United)
    • Silvan Widmer (Mainz)
    • Ricardo Rodriguez (Torino)
    • Edimilson Fernandes (Mainz)

    Midfielders

    • Michel Aebischer (Bologna)
    • Xherdan Shaqiri (Chicago Fire)
    • Renato Steffen (Lugano)
    • Granit Xhaka (Arsenal)
    • Denis Zakaria (Chelsea)
    • Fabian Frei (Basel)
    • Remo Freuler (Nottingham Forest)
    • Noah Okafor (Salzburg)
    • Fabian Rieder (Young Boys)
    • Ardon Jashari (Lucerne)

    Forwards

    • Breel Embolo (Monaco)
    • Ruben Vargas (Augsburg)
    • Djibril Sow (Eintracht Frankfurt)
    • Haris Seferovic (Galatasaray)
    • Christian Fassnacht (Young Boys)

    United States

    Goalkeepers

    • Ethan Horvath (Luton Town)
    • Sean Johnson (New York City FC)
    • Matt Turner (Arsenal)

    Defenders

    • Cameron Carter-Vickers (Celtic)
    • Sergiño Dest (AC Milan)
    • Aaron Long (New York Red Bulls)
    • Shaq Moore (Nashville SC)
    • Tim Ream (Fulham)
    • Antonee Robinson (Fulham)
    • Joe Scally (Borussia Monchengladbach)
    • DeAndre Yedlin (Inter Miami CF)
    • Walker Zimmerman (Nashville SC)

    Midfielders

    • Brenden Aaronson (Leeds)
    • Kellyn Acosta (LAFC)
    • Tyler Adams (Leeds)
    • Luca de la Torre (Celta Vigo)
    • Weston McKennie (Juventus)
    • Yunus Musah (Valencia)
    • Cristian Roldan (Seattle Sounders FC)

    Forwards

    • Jesus Ferreira (FC Dallas)
    • Jordan Morris (Seattle Sounders)
    • Christian Pulisic (Chelsea)
    • Gio Reyna (Borussia Dortmund)
    • Josh Sargent (Norwich City)
    • Tim Weah (Lille)
    • Haji Wright (Antalyaspor)

    Uruguay

    Goalkeepers

    • Fernando Muslera (Galatasaray)
    • Sergio Rochet (Nacional)
    • Sebastian Sosa (Independiente)

    Defenders

    • Jose Maria Gimenez (Atletico Madrid)
    • Sebastian Coates (Sporting CP)
    • Diego Godin (Velez Sarsfield)
    • Martin Caceres (LA Galaxy)
    • Ronald Araujo (Barcelona)
    • Guillermo Varela (Flamengo)
    • Jose Luis Rodriguez (Nacional)
    • Mathias Olivera (Napoli)
    • Matias Vina (Roma)

    Midfielders

    • Lucas Torreira (Galatasaray)
    • Manuel Ugarte (Sporting CP)
    • Matias Vecino (Lazio)
    • Rodrigo Bentancur (Tottenham)
    • Federico Valverde (Real Madrid)
    • Facundo Pellistri (Manchester United)
    • Nicolas De La Cruz (River Plate)

    Forwards

    • Agustin Canobbio (Athletico Paranaense)
    • Facundo Torres (Orlando City)
    • Giorgian De Arrascaeta (Flamengo)
    • Maxi Gomez (Trabzonspor)
    • Luis Suarez (Nacional)
    • Edinson Cavani (Valencia)
    • Darwin Nunez (Liverpool)

    Wales

    Goalkeepers

    • Wayne Hennessey (Nottingham Forest)
    • Danny Ward (Leicester City)
    • Adam Davies (Sheffield United)

    Defenders

    • Ben Davies (Tottenham Hotspur)
    • Ben Cabango (Swansea City)
    • Tom Lockyer (Luton Town)
    • Joe Rodon (Rennes)
    • Chris Mephan (Bournemouth)
    • Ethan Ampadu (Spezia)
    • Chris Gunter (Wimbledon)
    • Neco Williams (Nottingham Forest)
    • Connor Roberts (Burnley)

    Midfielders

    • Sorba Thomas (Huddersfield Town)
    • Joe Allen (Swansea City)
    • Matthew Smith (Milton Keynes Dons)
    • Dylan Levitt (Dundee United)
    • Harry Wilson (Fulham)
    • Joe Morrell (Portsmouth)
    • Jonny Williams (Swindon Town)
    • Aaron Ramsey (Nice)
    • Rubin Colwill (Cardiff City)

    Forwards

    • Gareth Bale (Los Angeles FC)
    • Kieffer Moore (Bournemouth)
    • Mark Harris (Cardiff City)
    • Brennan Johnson (Nottingham Forest)
    • Dan James (Fulham)

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  • Qatar FIFA World Cup ambassador says homosexuality is ‘damage in the mind’ | CNN

    Qatar FIFA World Cup ambassador says homosexuality is ‘damage in the mind’ | CNN

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    CNN
     — 

    Qatar FIFA World Cup ambassador and former footballer Khalid Salman has said homosexuality is “damage in the mind,” in an interview with German broadcaster ZDF on Monday.

    The interview, filmed in Doha less than two weeks before the start of the tournament, was immediately stopped by an official from the World Cup organizing committee.

    During the interview, Salman was discussing the issue of homosexuality being illegal in Qatar.

    Salman told ZDF that being gay was “haram,” meaning forbidden according to Islamic law. “It is damage in the mind,” Salman said.

    As many people are expected to travel to Qatar for the World Cup, “let’s talk about gays,” Salman said.

    “The most important thing is, everybody will accept that they come here. But they will have to accept our rules,” he said, adding he was concerned children may learn “something that is not good.”

    Salman was a Qatari football player in the 1980s and 1990s.

    He took part in the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles and has been selected as one of the tournament’s host country ambassadors.

    Qatar will host the FIFA World Cup 2022 from November 20 until December 18.

    The awarding of the football tournament to Qatar has been strongly criticized due to the human rights situation in the Gulf state and the treatment of foreign workers.

    Earlier this month, football’s world governing body FIFA urged nations participating in the 2022 World Cup to focus on football when the tournament kicks off.

    FIFA confirmed to CNN that a letter signed by FIFA President Gianni Infantino and the governing body’s secretary general Fatma Samoura was sent out to 32 nations participating in the global showpiece on Thursday but would not divulge the contents.

    “If Gianni Infantino wants the world to ‘focus on the football,’ there is a simple solution: FIFA could finally start tackling the serious human rights issues rather than brushing them under the carpet,” said Steve Cockburn, Amnesty International’s Head of Economic and Social Justice.

    “A first step would be publicly committing to the establishment of a fund to compensate migrant workers before the tournament kicks off and ensuring that LGBT people do not face discrimination or harassment. It is astonishing they still have not done so.

    “Gianni Infantino is right to say that ‘football does not exist in a vacuum.’ Hundreds of thousands of workers have faced abuses to make this tournament possible and their rights cannot be forgotten or dismissed.

    The countdown clock for the World Cup during the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar on December 15, 2021 in Doha.

    “They deserve justice and compensation, not empty words, and time is running out.”

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  • Liverpool FC Manager Jurgen Klopp’s Qatar Media Criticism Rewrites History

    Liverpool FC Manager Jurgen Klopp’s Qatar Media Criticism Rewrites History

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    Liverpool FC boss Jurgen Klopp has had enough of being asked about the World Cup in Qatar.

    Although the Reds boss’s reservations about holding the tournament in Qatar are well known, ahead of the club’s clash with Tottenham, Klopp decided the time had come to switch focus to the event itself.

    “It’s a tournament, it’s there, and we all let it happen and it’s fine because 12 years ago nobody did anything then. We cannot change it now” he told the media in his typically assertive tone.

    “There are wonderful people there and it’s not at all that everything is bad. It’s just how it happened was not right in the first place. But now it is there, let them play the games, the players and managers.

    “Don’t just put Gareth Southgate constantly in a situation where he has to talk about everything. He is not a politician, he is the manager of England. Let him do that,” he added.

    The German coach wasn’t done there, he wanted, as he has a habit of doing, to flip the attention or responsibility for this moral conundrum on the people behind the cameras; the journalists.

    “You more than I, let it happen 12 years ago,” he told a reporter.

    They responded by reminding Klopp that the media had done more to expose the human rights issues than most.

    However, Liverpool FC’s manager refused to accept this point.

    “But not then, not then,” he replied.

    The exchange continued with the pair debating whether the soccer community or the media held more responsibility.

    Perhaps we can forgive Klopp, who was in Germany managing Borussia Dortmund at the time, for not recognizing that the premise of his argument, that the media had not done enough 12 years ago, was not accurate.

    British journalism can be accused of a lot of things, but that criticism is unfair.

    ‘The evil of the media’

    Rewind the clock over a decade, to the FIFA deliberations for who would host the 2018 and 2022 World Cup, and it was journalists who were being attacked.

    According to Andy Anson, the chief executive of the failed England World Cup 2018, shortly before members of the executive committee began casting their votes ex-Fifa president Sepp Blatter, had spoken about the “evils of the media.”

    This wasn’t a generalized statement, the former leader was responding to very recent investigations by British outlets.

    Just three days before the vote took place, a BBC documentary was broadcast which made a host of allegations about bribery and corruption at FIFA. The Panorama show, titled Fifa’s Dirty Secrets, also made a range of claims about the bidding process for hosting the World Cup.

    That expose came hot on the heels of a series of powerful articles by British newspaper The Sunday Times, based on undercover footage that allegedly showed executive committee members selling World Cup votes.

    At the time, these investigations were not welcomed by large parts of the soccer community in England. The country was attempting to woo FIFA as part of a bid to host the 2018 tournament.

    So concerned were they about the impact of these stories, Anson met with the BBC’s most powerful executive Mark Thompson ahead of the broadcaster and labeled it “unpatriotic.”

    Gary Lineker, a representative of the English soccer community on the 2018 bid team, publicly criticized the national broadcaster for releasing something so critical of FIFA that close to the bidding.

    “The one thing I was unsettled by was the timing of this week’s Panorama program, coming just a few days before the decision is made,” he wrote at the time.

    “It was difficult to understand. It doesn’t affect the quality of the bid itself, but it does affect people’s emotions.”

    If anything this demonstrates just how willing British journalists were “at the time” to put their neck out and demonstrates how Klopp’s assertion “nobody did anything” is not accurate.

    The problem was not that the media didn’t use its power to sound the alarm, it was that the reaction to it was the opposite, this scrutiny was considered antagonistic.

    Or as Vyacheslav Koloskov, a lobbyist for the Russia bid, was reported to have said at the time, British journalists “are provoking members of the committee.”

    Interestingly Klopp suggests he would watch “an old documentary about the whole situation,” presumably created by journalists or media of some kind.

    Rather than trying to place blame, it might benefit the Liverpool manager to read about one of the rare instances where the soccer community was inspired by investigative journalism.

    Last year, I spoke to Tromsø IL midfielder Ruben Yttergård Jenssen who felt compelled to officially call for a tournament boycott after reading an article by the British newspaper The Guardian about the conditions of the workers building the stadiums.

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    Zak Garner-Purkis, Contributor

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  • England’s coach encourages gay soccer players to come out

    England’s coach encourages gay soccer players to come out

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    ROME (AP) — England coach Gareth Southgate hopes that gay soccer players “come out soon” because “it would have an enormous impact on society,” he said in an interview with an Italian newspaper published on Saturday.

    “The teams and players wouldn’t have any problem with it,” Southgate told La Repubblica ahead of this month’s World Cup in Qatar. “They would accept and embrace their teammates after a coming out. But footballers are afraid of the reactions outside and from the fans.

    “I experienced it with Thomas Hitzlsperger at Aston Villa: I didn’t think he was gay and when he announced it, it was something completely normal,” he said of the former Germany international, who came out as gay after he retired from playing.

    Southgate and Hitzlsperger were teammates at Villa in the early 2000s.

    “European teams have never been as tolerant, multicultural and multi-religious as they are today,” Southgate said in comments that were published in Italian. “Of course there will always be homophobes on the outside. But I hope gay players come out soon because it would have an enormous impact on society.”

    Gay rights have become an issue for the World Cup since same-sex relations are criminalized in the conservative Gulf nation.

    England will wear the “OneLove” anti-discrimination captain’s armband at the World Cup.

    At least 10 European nations committed to promote inclusion and campaign against discrimination this season and eight of them have qualified for Qatar.

    Southgate was asked if the armband initiative will be enough to raise awareness about human rights issues in Qatar, with the treatment of migrant workers who built venues for the World Cup a decade-long controversy.

    “We need to be realists about the goals we want to achieve,” the coach said. “I’ve been to Qatar three times and all the workers have told me clearly that they want the World Cup because it’s a vehicle for change.

    “We need to respect a country with a different culture, religion and traditions. But at the same time we have the responsibility and the possibility to shed light on aspects that can be improved. That could make a big difference.”

    England plays Iran in its opening match in Qatar on Nov. 21 before also facing the United States and Wales in Group B.

    ___

    AP World Cup coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/world-cup and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

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  • EXPLAINER: Qatar’s vast wealth helps it host FIFA World Cup

    EXPLAINER: Qatar’s vast wealth helps it host FIFA World Cup

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    DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Qatar is home to some 2.9 million people, but only a small fraction — around one in 10 — are Qatari citizens. They enjoy massive wealth and benefits fueled by Qatar’s shared control of one of the world’s largest reserves of natural gas.

    The tiny country on the eastern tip of the Arabian Peninsula juts out into the Persian Gulf. There lies the North Field, the world’s largest underwater gas field, which Qatar shares with Iran. The gas field holds approximately 10% of the world’s known natural gas reserves.​

    Oil and gas have made the 50-year-old country fantastically wealthy and influential. In a matter of decades, Qatar’s roughly 300,000 citizens have been pulled from the hard livelihood of fishing and pearl diving.

    The country is now an international transit hub with a profitable national airline, a force behind the influential Al Jazeera news network and is paying for the expansion of the largest U.S. military base in the Mideast.

    Here’s a look at Qatar’s economy and how this tiny country was able to spend so much to host the FIFA World Cup:

    QATAR’S ECONOMIC STRENGTH

    For most of its existence, the tribes of Qatar relied on pearl diving and fishing for survival. Like other parts of the Gulf, it was a harsh and bare existence. The discovery of oil and gas in the mid-20th century changed life in the Arabian Peninsula forever.

    While much of the world grapples with recession and inflation, Qatar and other Gulf Arab energy producers are reaping the benefits of high energy prices. The International Monetary Fund expects Qatar’s economy to grow by about 3.4% this year.

    Despite a massive spending spree to prepare for the World Cup, the country still earned more than it spent last year, giving it a cushy surplus that is continuing into 2022. Qatar’s riches are likely to grow as it expands capacity to be able to export more natural gas by 2025.

    Its sovereign wealth fund, the Qatar Investment Authority, manages and invests the country’s financial reserves.

    QATAR’S WORLD CUP SPENDING

    Qatar has spent some $200 billion on infrastructure and other development projects since winning the bid to host the five-week long World Cup, according to official statements and a report from Deloitte.

    Around $6.5 billion of that was spent on building eight stadiums for the tournament, including the Al Janoub stadium designed by the late acclaimed architect Zaha Hadid.

    Billions were also spent to build a metro line, new airport, roads and other infrastructure ahead of the matches.

    The London-based research firm Capital Economics said ticket sales suggest that around 1.5 million tourists will visit Qatar for the World Cup. If each visitor stayed for 10 days and spent $500 a day, spending per visitor would amount to $5,000, the research firm said. That could amount to a $7.5 billion boost to Qatar’s economy this year. However, some fans may fly in just for the matches while staying in nearby Dubai and elsewhere.

    QATAR’S LAVISH BENEFITS

    Like other rich petro-states in the Gulf, Qatar is not a democracy. Decisions are made by the ruling Al Thani family and its chose advisors. Citizens have little say in their country’s major policy decisions.

    The government, however, provides citizens with vast perks that have helped to ensure continued loyalty and support. Qatari citizens enjoy tax-free incomes, high-paying government jobs, free health care, free higher education, financial support for newlyweds, housing support, generous subsidies that cover utility bills and plush retirement benefits.

    The country’s citizens rely on laborers from other countries to fill jobs in the service sector, such as drivers and nannies, and to do the tough construction work that built modern-day Qatar.

    QATAR’S MIGRANT LABOR FORCE

    The country has faced intense scrutiny for its labor laws and treatment of hundreds of thousands of migrant workers, mostly from India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal and other South Asian countries. These men live in shared rooms on labor camps and work throughout the long summer months, with just a few hours of midday respite. They often go years without seeing their families back home.

    The work is often dangerous, with Amnesty International saying dozens may have died from apparent heat stroke.

    Rights groups have credited Qatar with improving its labor laws, such as by adopting a minimum monthly wage of around $275 in 2020, and for dismantling the “kafala” system that had prevented workers from changing jobs or leaving the country without the consent of their employers.

    Human Rights Watch, however has urged Qatar to improve compensation for migrant workers who suffered injury, death and wage theft while working on World Cup-related projects.

    ___

    Follow Aya Batrawy on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ayaelb.

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  • LGBTQ World Cup Fans Fear Prison For Kissing In Qatar

    LGBTQ World Cup Fans Fear Prison For Kissing In Qatar

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    Members of the LGBTQ community are fearful they could be arrested and even imprisoned if they kiss while attending the World Cup later this month in Qatar, a particularly problematic venue for the typically bacchanalian sports event chosen after a massive bribe scandal.

    The British are so worried about potential problems they are dispatching a crew of special “engagement officers” to protect fans from zealot police in Qatar.

    Homosexuality is illegal in the country, and can be punishable by death, according to Human Dignity Trust, a global advocacy group for LGBTQ rights.

    But public displays of affection are frowned upon even for people who are heterosexual, and women are expected to dress modestly, and be in the company of husbands, not boyfriends. Women who go to police over sexual violence can be flogged for engaging in illegal sex, according to news reports.

    Alcohol consumption is restricted in Qatar, significantly affecting yet another aspect of a typical World Cup fan experience.

    Limited drinking will be allowed in some areas during the World Cup. But fans are strictly prohibited from bringing alcohol into the country. “Specific measures” are in place to take action against anyone attempting to smuggle liquor in their luggage, ESPN reported.

    A Qatari official recently offered few reassurances for the European LGBTQ community. While “holding hands” may be permitted in public, Qatar’s Ambassador to the U.K. Fahad bin Mohammed Al-Attiyah could not guarantee in a Times of London radio interview that anything more would be acceptable.

    “I think one has to be mindful of the norms and cultures of Qatari society,” he warned, and erroneously suggested that public displays of affection are also illegal in Britain.

    Conservative U.K Foreign Secretary James Cleverly triggered a massive blowback last month after telling soccer fans to “be respectful” of Qatar’s anti-LGBTQ culture if they attend the World Cup. A spokesperson for new U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak angrily responded that no fan should be expected to “compromise who they are.”

    Most involved European officials have attempted to convince Qatari law enforcement to put up with their typical fan behavior, including climbing on tables, draping flags over statues and singing “loud songs in public” without arrests, according to a summary of agreements viewed by The Guardian.

    LGBTQ fans are also supposed to be allowed to wave Pride flags in public. But what happens in actual practice with some one million fans expected remains to be seen.

    An official from Qatar’s Government Communications Office told NBC News last month that fans will be “free to express themselves” — but will also be expected to “respect the local values and culture.

    The massive culture clash is a major indication of the problematic choice of Qatar to host the World Cup after bribes were paid to officials of soccer’s international governing body FIFA.

    The nation had no soccer legacy when it was chosen in 2010, no stadiums that could host international-level matches, and weather so hot during the typical time of the tournament that soccer league schedules around the world had to be upended to accommodate Qatar’s weather.

    The most fundamental concerns involved rewarding a country with egregious human rights violations, particularly involving migrant workers, who make the nation run. Thousands of migrant workers have died in the last 10 years in Qatar, many of them in construction accidents — or due to heat exhaustion — on projects linked to the World Cup.

    In a stunning example of authoritarian sexism in the nation, several women on a Qatar Airways flight headed to Sydney — including citizens from Australia, New Zealand and Britain — were pulled off the aircraft and subjected to forced vaginal exams at gunpoint October 2020 after a newborn was found abandoned in the airport. Abandoned newborns are a problem in the country, which imprisons women who become pregnant out of wedlock.

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  • FIFA urges World Cup teams to focus on soccer over politics

    FIFA urges World Cup teams to focus on soccer over politics

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    GENEVA (AP) — FIFA’s top officials have urged the 32 teams preparing for the most political World Cup in the modern era to focus on the game in Qatar and avoid handing out lessons in morality.

    A letter urging teams to “let football take center stage” was sent by FIFA president Gianni Infantino and secretary general Fatma Samoura ahead of intense media focus on coaches and players when World Cup squads are announced next week.

    “Please, let’s now focus on the football!” Infantino and Samoura wrote, asking the 32 soccer federations to “not allow football to be dragged into every ideological or political battle that exists.”

    Qatar being picked in 2010 as World Cup host sparked scrutiny on its treatment of low-paid migrant workers needed to build projects costing tens of billions of dollars and its laws criminalizing same-sex relationships.

    FIFA’s comments in defense of Qatar follows more strident targeting of critics in recent weeks by public officials, including the Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, as the Nov. 20 kickoff nears.

    The Emir two weeks ago denounced “fabrications and double standards” in what he has called an “unprecedented campaign” against a World Cup host nation.

    Eight European teams have committed to their captains wearing heart-shaped armbands — in breach of FIFA rules — to support an anti-discrimination campaign launched in the Netherlands, and Australia players took part in a video airing concerns about Qatar’s human rights record.

    Several coaches and federations, including the United States, have backed calls to create a compensation fund for migrant workers’ families. Denmark’s squad is taking a black team jersey as a sign of “mourning” for those who died in Qatar.

    The Dutch soccer federation pushed back at FIFA late Friday, restating its commitment to leave “lasting improvements in the situation of migrant workers in Qatar.”

    The Netherlands plays Qatar on Nov. 29 in Group A and the team’s officials pledged on Friday to press FIFA on creating a long-term resource center in Doha for migrant workers when world soccer’s 211 member federations meet hours before attending the World Cup opening game.

    Iran has also faced calls to be removed before it plays England in the second game of the World Cup on Nov. 21 in a group that also includes the U.S.

    Iranian fan groups want the federation suspended for discriminating against women, and Ukraine soccer officials asked FIFA to remove Iran from the World Cup for human rights violations and supplying the Russian military with weapons.

    Infantino moved from Switzerland to live in Doha for the past year during preparations for what he has consistently said would be the best World Cup ever.

    “We know football does not live in a vacuum and we are equally aware that there are many challenges and difficulties of a political nature all around the world,” the FIFA leaders wrote on Thursday in their letter that did not address or identify any specific issue.

    “At FIFA, we try to respect all opinions and beliefs, without handing out moral lessons to the rest of the world. One of the great strengths of the world is indeed its very diversity, and if inclusion means anything, it means having respect for that diversity.”

    Infantino and Samoura added: “No one people or culture or nation is ‘better’ than any other. This principle is the very foundation stone of mutual respect and non-discrimination. And this is also one of the core values of football.”

    They repeated long-standing promises made by Qatar, including by its Emir at the United Nations general assembly in New York in September, that all visitors to Qatar will be welcome “regardless of origin, background, religion, gender, sexual orientation or nationality.”

    In a separate in-house interview published on Friday by FIFA, Samoura acknowledged the perception of Qatar “as a conservative society, like my own country in Senegal.”

    “But let me tell you one thing — Qataris are the most hospitable people you can find on earth,” said the former U.N. official, who is also of Muslim faith.

    Frustration with the scrutiny on the first Arab host of the World Cup led at least two government ministers this week to suggest race as a motive.

    “Is such racism acceptable in Europe in the 21st century? Football belongs to everyone,” Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said in an interview with French daily Le Monde published on Friday.

    Labor Minister Ali bin Samikh Al Marri said this week that calls to create a compensation fund for migrant workers were a “publicity stunt,” and cited a Qatari-backed scheme that had paid tens of millions of dollars.

    FIFA and Qatari officials have long insisted hosting the World Cup accelerated the modernizing of labor laws which Samoura said on Friday was accepted as a model for regional neighbors to follow.

    About 1.2 million international visitors are expected in Qatar during the Nov. 20-Dec. 18 tournament.

    ___

    AP World Cup coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/world-cup and https://twitter.com/AP_Sportsc

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  • EXPLAINER: Traveling to, around Qatar during FIFA World Cup

    EXPLAINER: Traveling to, around Qatar during FIFA World Cup

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    DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Some 1.2 million people are expected to pour into Qatar during the upcoming 2022 FIFA World Cup that begins this month.

    With fans coming from all over the world, reaching Qatar on the Arabian Peninsula, as well as getting around once there, remains a concern. Estimates suggest that as many as half a million people may be in the country each day during the height of the competition.

    However, fans have a variety of transportation options to choose from ahead of the tournament.

    Here’s a look at how to get there, where to go and how to move around.

    FLYING TO QATAR

    Qatar has become a hub for East-West travel, thanks to its long-haul carrier Qatar Airways. Already, the airline is offering tailored flight, hotel and ticket options for its customers. Dubai in the United Arab Emirates is gearing up to have its low-cost carrier FlyDubai run as many as 30 trips a day into Doha to allow spectators to watch a match and then shuttle back to hotels in the emirate. Those flying in will land at Doha’s Hamad International Airport, a massive airport that Qatar built for $15 billion and opened in 2014. The airport has plans to expand further in 2022 to handle 58 million passengers a year. Passengers will clear immigration and customs checks before heading out into the city. Note that during the tournament, Qatar won’t be issuing normal visas and those coming for the matches must have a Qatari-issued Hayya Card. The card verifies you have housing for the time you’re in the country or will travel in just for the match you’re watching. The Hayya Card also is required for entry into stadiums. Also keep in mind that Qatar has only one land border, with Saudi Arabia, if you’re thinking about driving.

    CORONAVIRUS CONSIDERATIONS

    Qatar has had strict rules regarding travel and the coronavirus since the pandemic began, but they were loosened as of Nov. 1. Qatar has dropped a requirement for PCR testing prior to your trip to the country, and said it’s no longer required to download its Ehteraz contact-tracing app.

    HOW TO GET AROUND QATAR

    As you walk out of the airport, you have several options on how to get around. Qatar’s state-owned Mowasalat transportation company offers taxi cabs at curbside. Major ride-hailing apps like Uber also work in Qatar. Mowasalat runs a bus service at the airport, too. Doha also has a recently built metro service, which will take you from the airport to most areas in the capital. The metro also connects to a tram now running in Lusail. You can rent a car at the airport, though officials are urging those coming to the tournament to take mass transit. On match day, public transport will be free to those holding tickets. Keep in mind that Qatar’s riyal currency trades at $1 to 3.64 riyals. There are 100 dirhams in each riyal.

    WHAT TO SEE WHILE IN QATAR

    Outside of the tournament, Doha has several cultural sites to visit. Qatar’s Museum of Islamic Art offers both interesting views inside its galleries and a view outside of the city’s skyline. Nearby is Doha’s Souq Waqif, which has traditional storefronts and gifts for sale — including even a falcon section. The National Museum of Qatar, designed by French architect Jean Nouvel, is a take on the desert rose. Qatar’s National Library also is renowned for its design. Doha’s Mall of Qatar has some 500,000 square meters (5.3 million square feet) for shopping. There are also beachfront resorts and tour companies offer trips into Qatar’s desert expanses as well.

    ___

    Follow Jon Gambrell on Twitter at www.twitter.com/jongambrellAP.

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  • At World Cup, Portugal is a lot more than Cristiano Ronaldo

    At World Cup, Portugal is a lot more than Cristiano Ronaldo

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    For the last two decades or so, Portugal arrived at every major tournament with all eyes on Cristiano Ronaldo.

    The team’s hopes of doing well at World Cups and European Championships were mostly dependent on whether Ronaldo could successfully lead his team to victory.

    He will still be Portugal’s biggest star in Qatar, but this time there will be lot more to Portugal than Ronaldo.

    The 37-year-old forward has been showing signs of a letdown for the first time in his career, and will enter what could be his last World Cup without the status of indisputable starter.

    Ronaldo has been playing fewer minutes at Manchester United, and even with Portugal he recently was relegated to the bench, something unimaginable not long ago.

    “It was a tactical and technical decision,” Portugal coach Fernando Santos said when he left the all-time leading scorer in international soccer on the bench in a Nations League match against Spain in June.

    Now Santos has a greater cast of players who can share the spotlight with Ronaldo. Portugal has a very good new generation of players that includes Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes and João Félix.

    PREMIER SUPPORT

    Some of the Portuguese players who will be sharing the spotlight with Ronaldo have been thriving in the Premier League recently.

    Silva is a regular starter in a Manchester City team that also includes Portugal defenders João Cancelo and Rúben Dias. Bruno Fernandes has been doing well as Ronaldo’s teammate at Man United, and Liverpool’s Diogo Jota will only miss the World Cup because of an injury.

    FÉLIX’S DEBUT

    While Ronaldo could be making his World Cup farewell, João Félix is set to make his debut.

    It wasn’t long ago that Félix was being touted in Portugal as the next Ronaldo, drawing widespread comparisons with the star after a quick rise through the youth squads at Benfica.

    Félix, who will be 23 at the World Cup, remains one of Portugal’s main hopes for the future, but the hype surrounding him has faded a bit since he signed with Atlético Madrid and struggled to immediately meet expectations.

    He was off to a good start this season and appeared to be finally settling in with the club, but again gradually lost time on the field. He also hasn’t been a regular starter with Portugal recently, playing fewer minutes under Santos entering the World Cup.

    VETERAN PEPE

    Another veteran Portugal player who may be appearing in his last World Cup is Pepe, who is two years older than Ronaldo and is set to lead the defense at the tournament for a fourth consecutive time.

    Known for his leadership and toughness, Pepe has been an indisputable starter for the national team at center back. He will enter the tournament just shy of 130 appearances with Portugal, which is third on the all time list.

    He also played in four European Championships for his country, including when Portugal won the title in 2016.

    The veteran defender may not be in his best shape entering the tournament in Qatar, though, after picking up a knee injury that was expected to sideline him ahead of the tournament.

    RECENT SETBACKS

    After finally breaking through with a major title at Euro 2016, Portugal also added the title of the inaugural edition of the Nations League at home in 2019. But it didn’t make it past the round of 16 at the 2018 World Cup and at Euro 2020.

    There was concern about the team’s disappointing performances in recent important games, including when it failed at home against Serbia with an automatic World Cup spot on the line and against Spain in the final round of its group in this year’s Nations League.

    The setbacks have led many to question Santos, and speculate whether this generation could have been doing better with someone else in charge.

    “I’m not worried,” Santos said when asked about those doubting him. “I have a contract until 2024.”

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    AP World Cup coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/world-cup and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

    ___

    Tales Azzoni on Twitter: http://twitter.com/tazzoni

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  • Weeks away from World Cup, human rights group says host Qatar continues to mistreat LGBTQ people

    Weeks away from World Cup, human rights group says host Qatar continues to mistreat LGBTQ people

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    With just under four weeks to go until the 2022 Men’s FIFA World Cup begins, Human Rights Watch (HRW) has accused host nation Qatar of arbitrarily arresting and abusing LGBTQ people, despite calls for the country to update its laws on LGBTQ rights.

    The human rights group on Monday said that it had documented six cases of “severe and repeated” beatings and five cases of sexual harassment in police custody between 2019 and 2022. CBS News has not independently verified these accounts.

    According to the organization, Qatar’s security forces have arrested people in public based on their gender expression, unlawfully searched their phones and mandated that detained transgender women had to attend conversion therapy sessions as a condition of their release.

    Same-sex “sexual conduct” between men is illegal in Qatar, although there is no outright ban on same-sex relationships between women, according to a U.S. State Department report from 2021. Men 16 years of age and older who engage in sexual conduct can be punished by up to seven years in prison, the State Department said. A man convicted of having sex with another man under the age of 16 can receive a life sentence, the report said. Homosexuality is punishable by death under sharia law, but “there were no reports of any executions for this reason,” the State Department said.

    Rasha Younes, an LGBT rights researcher at HRW, told CBS News that the group’s report only included six people who consented to having their information published, but noted that the numbers are “much, much higher than the ones that we documented.” 

    “Given the fear of retaliation and the repressive climate around free expression inside Qatar, people are really fearful to speak,” said Younes, who investigates abuses against LGBT people in the Middle East and North Africa region. 

    TOPSHOT-FBL-WC-2022-ILLUSTRATION
    Visitors take photos with a FIFA World Cup sign in Doha on October 23, 2022, ahead of the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup football tournament.

    JEWEL SAMAD/AFP via Getty Images


    In interviews with HRW, many of the subjects complained about their treatment while in police custody. Among them, one Qatari transgender woman said she was arrested in public because she was wearing makeup. One Qatari bisexual woman told HRW that officers beat her until she lost “consciousness” several times.

    All were detained without being charged, HRW said. They were unable to attain legal counsel and none received a record of having been detained, HRW said, adding that these could be considered arbitrary detentions under international human rights law. 

    “It appears their arbitrary arrest and detention is based on Law No 17 of 2002 on Protection of Community, which allows for provisional detention without charge or trial for up to six months, if ‘there exist well-founded reasons to believe that the defendant may have committed a crime,’ including ‘violating public morality,'” HRW said in its report.

    Younes said the similar accounts from those interviewed by HRW show that these were not “isolated” incidents, but rather indicate a “pattern by security forces.” 

    A Qatari official refuted the accusations in a statement to CBS News. 

    “The allegations contain information that is categorically and unequivocally false,” the official said. “Qatar does not tolerate discrimination against anyone, and our policies and procedures are underpinned by a commitment to human rights for all.”

    The official also said that Qatar does not operate or license any “conversion centers,” as the HRW report alleged, claiming that the clinic mentioned treats people suffering from “behavioral conditions.” 

    FIFA awarded the World Cup to Qatar in 2010, but issues around the treatment of migrant workers, women and LGBTQ people have been thrust in the spotlight since then. In 2016, the soccer body adopted the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, which prompts the organization to “avoid infringing on the human rights of others and should address adverse human rights impacts with which they are involved.”

    In celebration of Pride Month earlier this year, FIFA insisted on hotels and other contractors welcoming LGBTQIA+ fans to Qatar and dubbed the event as a “celebration of unity and diversity” regardless of “race, ethnicity, religion, age, disability, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression.”

    Still, Younes believes FIFA stopped short of that in Qatar. She believes FIFA and Qatar are “complicit” in alleged human rights violations against LGBTQ people in the country. Younes also said another fear is that people will forget about the issue once the World Cup is over.

    “They had over a decade to work on reforms and push the Qatari government in the right direction, and they did none of that,” she said. “So it is quite disappointing that FIFA does not use its platform, and the time is now for it to take action.” 

    FIFA did not immediately respond to a request for comment from CBS News.  r

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  • 5 Australian Women Sue Qatar Over Forced Airport Vaginal Exams

    5 Australian Women Sue Qatar Over Forced Airport Vaginal Exams

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    Five Australian women are suing the government of Qatar over forced vaginal exams and other invasive medical procedures at gunpoint at the Doha airport two years ago.

    The women are seeking damages from both Qatar Airways and the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority — owned by the Qatari government — over the “unlawful physical contact” and damage to their mental health, including depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.

    The case has been filed just weeks before Qatar’s controversial hosting of the World Cup — a venue decision linked to massive bribes of soccer officials — amid concerns about treatment of female fans who may kiss or have sex with their boyfriends, drink alcohol and wear revealing clothing.

    The plaintiffs and several women on a Qatar Airways flight headed to Sydney — including citizens from Australia, New Zealand and Britain —were pulled off the aircraft and subjected to invasive gynecological exams in October 2020 after an abandoned newborn was discovered in an airport bathroom. Abandoned newborns are a problem in the country, which imprisons women who become pregnant out of wedlock.

    The women were taken to ambulances on the tarmac, some at gunpoint, the lawsuit stated, locked inside and told to remove their underwear for an examination, the BBC reported at the time.

    One of the women, a 33-year-old nurse, told The New York Times that she has not traveled since. “It completely changed me as a person, that day,” she said.

    “It seems like they’ve just moved on, they’re not sorry for it,” she added. “They’re going on with their lives normally while we’re all here, quite affected.”

    Officials initially insisted the searches were “wholly inconsistent with Qatar’s culture and values.” After a cascade of controversy, officials apologized, and an airport officer who arranged the searches was arrested and eventually given a suspended sentence.

    Australia filed an official complaint after the nation’s Prime Minister Scott Morrison blasted the “appalling” searches, and Foreign Minister Marise Payne called the measures “grossly disturbing [and] offensive.”

    Attorney Damian Sturzaker, partner at the Marque Lawyers firm, which is representing the women who are suing, told the Guardian this week he was “proud to stand with this group of brave women who have been forced to take on the Qatar government after it gravely breached their human rights.”

    As of Saturday night, the Qatar government hadn’t yet responded to the suit.

    The newborn discovered the day of the searches survived and was turned over to social services. The baby’s mother and father, later tracked down, were both reportedly from “Asian countries,” officials said. In Qatar, that typically means nations in South Asia, a source of a large number of migrant workers in the country. Human rights activists have sharply criticized Qatar not only for its treatment of women, but of migrants as well.

    It’s illegal to have sex outside of marriage in the ultraconservative nation, and migrant women who become pregnant out of wedlock risk imprisonment, driving some to abandon their babies.

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  • Pandas sent by China arrive in Qatar ahead of World Cup

    Pandas sent by China arrive in Qatar ahead of World Cup

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    AL KHOR, Qatar — A pair of giant pandas sent as a gift from China arrived in Qatar on Wednesday ahead of next month’s World Cup.

    They will take up residence in an indoor enclosure in the desert nation designed to duplicate conditions in the dense forests of China’s mountainous Sichuan province. Eight hundred kilograms (nearly 1,800 pounds) of fresh bamboo will be flown in each week to feed them.

    Jing Jing, a 4-year-old male weighing 120 kilograms (265 pounds), has been given the Arabic name Suhail, and 3-year-old female Si Hai, at 70 kilograms (154 pounds), has been given the Arabic name Thuraya.

    The pandas will quarantine for at least 21 days before visitors will be allowed to see them.

    Qatar is expecting some 1.2 million visitors for the monthlong World Cup beginning Nov. 20. The gas-rich Gulf nation will be the first Muslim or Arab country to host the world’s biggest sporting event.

    Tim Bouts, the director of Al Wabra Wildlife Preservation, said that in addition to providing the perfect indoor climate for the pandas, the enclosure will also shield them from stressful noises while allowing them to interact with visitors.

    “There was a lot of thinking which went into this building to make it, I think, the best building for pandas in the world,” he said.

    Pandas, which reproduce rarely in the wild and rely on a diet of bamboo in the mountains of western China, remain among the world’s most threatened species. An estimated 1,800 pandas live in the wild, while another 500 are in zoos or reserves, mostly in Sichuan.

    They are the unofficial national mascot of China, which has gifted pandas to 20 countries.

    China’s ambassador to Qatar, Zhou Jian, said the two pandas “will live a happy life here and bring more happiness, joy and a love to the people of Qatar and in this world.”

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  • World Cup ticket sales top 90% of stadium capacity in Qatar

    World Cup ticket sales top 90% of stadium capacity in Qatar

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    DOHA, Qatar — Nearly 2.9 million tickets have been sold for the World Cup in Qatar, FIFA and organizers said Monday, leaving about 7% of seats still available.

    People living in the United States, Saudi Arabia and England topped the list of international ticket buyers, while Mexico was the biggest market outside Qatar for corporate hospitality sales.

    More tickets will become available before the tournament starts on Nov. 20, FIFA’s tournament director Colin Smith said at a news conference in Doha held with Qatari organizers.

    Tickets can typically become available late because stakeholders such as sponsors and FIFA member federations return them from their quotas.

    About 1.2 million international visitors are expected in Qatar for the 29-day tournament with extra accommodation still being added to avoid a shortage of rooms in the tiny emirate.

    Qatari officials said 2 million separate room nights have already been sold to fans — in hotels, apartments, cruise ships and some camping sites — with 30,000 room options now added to the capacity.

    Those new rooms added a total capacity of about 1 million room nights, said Yasir Al Jamal, director general of the Qatari organizing committee.

    Extra capacity was added last week with the hiring of a third, 1,075-cabin cruise ship to dock in Doha port as a floating hotel. Prices started at $470 each night during the opening two weeks when all 32 teams are still involved.

    Though 420,000 people worldwide applied to be a tournament volunteer working in Qatar, only 20,000 have been chosen, organizers said. A total of 11%, about 2,200 people, will come from abroad and 89% are from Qatar.

    Organizers said an innovation for this World Cup will be a central base for consular services with 45 countries represented by their embassy staff, in an exhibition hall in the downtown West Bay area.

    ———

    AP World Cup coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/world-cup and https://twitter.com/AP—Sports

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  • Viewer’s guide for the World Cup in Qatar

    Viewer’s guide for the World Cup in Qatar

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    A last chance for Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Kylian Mbappé back on the biggest stage of all. Brazil bidding for a record-extending sixth title.

    One of the most eagerly anticipated World Cups in memory — as much for off-the-field reasons as those on it — is just around the corner in Qatar and excitement is building after the qualification period was wrapped.

    Thirty-two teams, 64 matches, 29 days. The first World Cup in the Middle East.

    The tournament starts on Nov. 20 and the final is set for Dec. 18.

    Here’s a few things to watch when the tournament gets going in the smallest country ever to host a World Cup, where some fans will be staying in floating hotels when they head over to take in the games:

    TOP TEAMS

    Brazil (No. 1 in FIFA ranking). Neymar, Vinícius Júnior and the rest of the flair-filled Selecao are peaking at the right time. Is a first World Cup title since 2002 on the horizon?

    Belgium (No. 2). The “Golden Generation” is gradually breaking up but there’s still Kevin De Bruyne leading the Belgian charge.

    Argentina (No. 3). No World Cup title since the days of the great Diego Maradona. This will be the first World Cup since his death in November 2020 and Argentina is improving, with Messi still at its core.

    France (No. 4). The defending champions. Still the country with the most depth to its squad, despite a growing injury list. Now with Mbappé AND Karim Benzema leading the attack. No team has retained its World Cup title since Brazil in 1962.

    England (No. 5). The team has hit a bad patch of form — winless in six games — but has a strong track record in recent major tournaments. England was a semifinalist at the World Cup in 2018 and a finalist at the European Championship in 2021.

    BIG STARS

    Lionel Messi, Argentina. The seven-time world player of the year might have been saving his 35-year-old legs for one last push at a World Cup winner’s medal that, to many, would solidify him as soccer’s greatest player.

    Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal. He has won the European Championship but the leading scorer in men’s international soccer hasn’t played in a World Cup final, let alone won one. He’s 37 years old now — make the most of him while you can.

    Kylian Mbappé, France. The star of the last World Cup at the age of 19 and he is only getting better. The speedy striker could match Brazil great Pelé in being a champion at his first two World Cups.

    Kevin De Bruyne, Belgium. Widely regarded as the world’s best midfielder, his driving runs are among the best sights in soccer. Belgium just has to hope he arrives healthy.

    Neymar, Brazil. Often overshadowed by Mbappé and Messi at Paris Saint-Germain, still the main man for Brazil. Watch out for tricks and flicks, and some histrionics, too.

    HOW IT WORKS

    Get ready for a feast of soccer. There are eight groups of four teams, with the top two advancing to the 16-team knockout stage.

    There will be four games back-to-back per day — yes, four! — for most of the first two sets of group games, then simultaneous kickoffs for the last two games in each group.

    There’ll be no break for the knockout stage, which begins the day after the group stage ends. The first day without soccer comes on Dec. 7 — the 17th day of competition.

    MUST-SEE GAMES

    Qatar vs. Ecuador, Nov. 20. The first match of the tournament and always a date to save on the calendar.

    Argentina vs. Mexico, Nov. 26. The first of the big continental rivalries in the group stage, with Messi potentially sealing his and Argentina’s spot in the last 16.

    Spain vs. Germany, Nov. 27. Surely there can’t have been many bigger group-stage matches than this at a World Cup? Two recent champions, two giants of European and world soccer.

    Iran vs. United States, Nov. 29. It has been labeled as “The Mother of All Games Part II.” Just like at the World Cup in 1998, the two countries will meet in the group stage in a politically charged matchup. Diplomatic relations have yet to be restored between the nations since being severed in 1980.

    Ghana vs. Uruguay, Dec. 2. Anyone remember the night of July 2, 2010? In the last minute of extra time in a World Cup quarterfinal match between Uruguay and Ghana, Luis Suarez deliberately stopped the ball with his hand on the goalline, got sent off, only for Ghana to miss the penalty and lose in a shootout as Suarez celebrated on the sideline. Revenge would be sweet for Ghana.

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    More AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

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  • Qatari Emir met with Putin to ‘defuse tensions’ between Moscow and Doha, source says | CNN

    Qatari Emir met with Putin to ‘defuse tensions’ between Moscow and Doha, source says | CNN

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    Abu Dhabi
    CNN
     — 

    Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim al-Thani met with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of a conference in Astana, Kazakhstan, on Thursday to “defuse tensions” between Moscow and Doha, a source familiar with the talks, but not authorized to speak about them publicly, told CNN.

    The United States and the European Union were briefed on the meeting before it took place, said the source.

    “The purpose of the meeting between Qatar’s Emir and President Putin was to defuse the tensions between Russia and Qatar, which have grown following several events,” the source said.

    A strain in the relationship between the two countries has emerged in recent months. The source said tensions have increased several times: after the Emir held a phone conversation with Ukrainian President Voldymyr Zelensky on Monday; after Qatar criticized Russia’s planned annexation of Ukrainian territory; and after Qatar’s participation in a meeting with NATO +8 countries in Germany in April.

    The deteriorating relationship is now complicating Qatar’s diplomatic efforts in the region, the source said.

    Qatar was attempting to help the revival of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal by relaying messages between Tehran and Washington. Separately, the tiny Gulf country was working with Russia and Turkey under a trilateral consultation process aimed at helping to find a political solution to the ongoing conflict in Syria.

    “Qatar needs cordial relations with Russia and others in the region in order to be able to continue on various mediation and diplomatic files,” the source said.

    During the meeting, the Emir told Putin that there is opportunity to strengthen the “historic ties” between Qatar and Russia on a political level and that there are “prospects” in energy cooperation, the Kremlin said in a statement.

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  • Putin threatens Europe again as Brussels braces for winter

    Putin threatens Europe again as Brussels braces for winter

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    Press play to listen to this article

    The EU’s energy crisis response is getting bigger, slowly. But so, too, is the threat posed by Russia’s freeze on Europe’s gas supply.

    A new package of measures to bring down the price of gas and protect consumers this winter and beyond — including plans to fully leverage the EU’s collective buying power — will be formally proposed by the European Commission next week.

    But there remains uncertainty about key aspects of the package — including whether the preferred intervention of many countries, an EU-wide cap on gas prices, will be part of it, and if so, in what form. It could also take until November to get next week’s proposals fully signed off and operational, officials said.

    Even as energy ministers deliberated over the measures in Prague on Wednesday, Russia issued new, veiled warnings about the depths of Europe’s vulnerability.

    Speaking at an energy conference in Moscow, the head of Gazprom Alexey Miller warned European homes could still freeze this winter even though EU countries have nearly filled their gas storage capacity.

    At the same event, Vladimir Putin discussed the sabotage of the Nord Stream pipelines — an act that many Western governments suspect was the work of Russia. Then he added pointedly that the incident had shown how “any critical infrastructure in transport, energy or communication infrastructure is under threat — regardless of what part of the world it is located, by whom it is controlled, laid on the seabed or on land.”

    Noting that one of the pipelines is still potentially operational after the attack, Putin insisted Russia was ready to send gas through it to ease Europe’s pain this winter — bringing his overarching strategy of gas blackmail against Europe right up to date.

    “The ball, as they say, is on the side of the European Union. If they want it, let them just open the tap,” Putin said. “We are ready to supply additional volumes in the autumn-winter period.”

    Putin may still be hoping that when the reality of winter without Russian gas begins to bite, European governments will be more open to such overtures ­— and more willing to rein in support for Ukraine in exchange for an energy lifeline.

    For the EU’s part, Energy Commissioner Kadri Simson was clear that while the bloc faced “difficult times,” countries would withstand the challenges ahead if they “act together, decisively and in solidarity.”

    Speaking at the close of an informal summit of EU energy ministers on Wednesday, she added that the next crisis package will also contain a proposal for a new benchmark price for gas and further measures to reduce demand across the bloc.

    But while a row over capping the price of gas has dominated the debate in recent weeks, momentum has shifted to the idea of joint purchasing on the international market. It is hoped that through this measure the bloc can avoid the situation seen this year when member states outbid one another for supplies when filling gas storage facilities ­— driving up the price for all.

    European Commissioner for Energy Kadri Simson | John Thys/AFP via Getty Images

    In an informal policy paper issued on Wednesday, Germany and the Netherlands set how such a measure could work, by beefing up the existing EU Energy Platform, which was established months ago but then barely used. Efforts to buy gas jointly should be coupled with better EU-wide coordination of gas storage next year, the German and Dutch paper said.

    The proposals point to the extent to which the EU is no longer simply planning how to survive this winter without rolling blackouts. It’s now firmly planning for a crisis next winter too.

    Executive Director of the International Energy Agency Fatih Birol, who also attended Wednesday’s summit in Prague, warned ministers that “the next winter may well be even more difficult.”

    That message was echoed in a sobering briefing from the EU Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators, which outlined how challenging 2023 and potentially 2024 could be for the bloc’s energy supply. Amid an expected surge in demand in Asia for liquefied natural gas (LNG), the EU will face greater competition for limited LNG supplies from sources such as the U.S. and Qatar.

    In short, every molecule of gas that remains in European storage after this winter might be vital — and Vladimir Putin knows it.

    Victor Jack and America Hernandez provided additional reporting.

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  • Qatar’s ‘World of Restaurants’ Provides a Taste of Home for Football Fans

    Qatar’s ‘World of Restaurants’ Provides a Taste of Home for Football Fans

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    Qatar Tourism reveals a menu of top international restaurants, cafés and cuisines for football fans and visitors to Qatar looking to indulge in a taste of home. For the thousands travelling to Doha for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, there is something to suit all palates as visitors will have the choice of over 3,000 food and beverage outlets in Qatar.

    Chief Operating Officer of Qatar Tourism, Berthold Trenkel, said: “From fine dining to street food, Qatar offers a diverse range of cuisines from all over the world. We have an abundance of international restaurants to cater to all tastes and cultures, but I would really encourage fans to sample the delicious local Qatari dishes while they are here.”

    In advance of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, Qatar Tourism has compiled a list of restaurants and cafés in Doha featuring cuisines from each of the countries competing in the tournament.

    Group A – Qatar | Ecuador | Senegal | Netherlands

    Qatar

    Curious fans can try a taste of the home nation by breakfasting at Shay Al Shomous at Souq Waqif, famous for its charismatic owner Shams Al Qassabi. Gahwetna in The Pearl-Qatar serves authentic local delicacies, such as moshakshaka and zaatar. For extravagance, look no further than Jiwan at the National Museum of Qatar. Jiwan, the Qatari word for the perfect pearl, is spearheaded by Alain Ducasse and takes diners on a contemporary journey of Qatari cuisine. At Saasna, in Msheireb, creative Qatari chefs prepare local classics such as baddawi, saloona meat and saffron cake. 

    Ecuador

    Fans with a sweet tooth should stop by Chocolataria Equador for some of the best chocolate treats in town. The speciality shop monitors the origin of its own cocoa beans to ensure fair trade and delivery of only the highest quality products. 

    Senegal

    A slice of Senegal can be found in the heart of Doha at Sabali. The restaurant sits in the city’s Tornado Tower and serves a variety of delicious Senegalese dishes, along with refreshing bissap juice. 

    Netherlands

    Hungry visitors from Holland will find mini Dutch pancakes from Poffertjes are a popular street food option at pop-up stalls across the city. 

    Group B – England | Iran | USA | Wales

    England 

    British fans should stop by The Red Lion Doha for a traditional pub-like atmosphere; with lots of screens, it’s a great place to watch the matches. Harrods Tea Rooms Doha offers a more refined experience, deeply rooted in the traditions of London’s most famous department store. 

    Iran

    Parisa, in Souq Waqif, is the ideal place to sample much-loved Iranian-speciality dishes. The walls of this palatial restaurant are covered in colourful tiles and mirrors, an authentic setting for the delicious ‘home recipes’ prepared by Chef Ali Reza. 

    USA

    American food lovers are spoilt for choice with a range of top BBQ, diner and burger joints to visit. Boston’s, Ted’s American Diners, Applebee’sPublic House Doha, The Cheesecake Factory, Santa Monica Breakfast Club, New York Steakhouse… the list goes on and on.

    Wales

    Delicious Welsh lamb – the country’s most iconic food export ­- is served in hotels and restaurants throughout the country. Fans should visit one of Qatar’s many steakhouses, such as STK Doha, for their excellent lamb shanks. 

    Group C – Argentina | Saudi Arabia | Mexico | Poland

    Argentina

    Visitors will find a quaint restaurant called La Boca in the heart of Souq Waqif, which specialises in Argentinian cuisine. And bringing Doha diners a taste of Latin America is Fuego – meaning fire – which focuses on authentic flavoursome ingredients. 

    Saudi Arabia

    Healthy Saudi dishes are now on offer at Qatar’s new Koozi restaurant, which only just opened in September 2022. All the dishes, such as madghut chicken, okra, and molokhia, offer excellent value for money, from just 3 USD.

    Mexico

    Head to Lusail Food Arena for a taste of Mexican street food. The burritos and tacos of Abocado are dished up from inside a giant, yellow, converted school bus. Isla Mexican KitchenLa Bodega NegraEl Cedro Lounge and Maya make up some more of Qatar’s many Mexican options.

    Poland

    Budget-friendly plates of Polish cuisine are served at Polka in Madinat Khalifa, where the dishes are as Instagrammable as they are delicious. Try Polish dumplings and homemade apple juice, ‘kompot’, alongside tasty plates such as Grandma Kristina’s Veggie Salad.

    Group D – France | Australia | Denmark | Tunisia

    France

    Loleya Patisserie by Chef Aziz, located within the recently opened Le Royal Méridien Doha, offers classic French pastries, unique cakes and sweets, which are complemented by iconic Arab signature desserts. La Maison Martinez offers traditional dishes including French toast, côte de bœuf baguette and croque truffles.

    Australia

    Visitors seeking a dish from Down Under should look no further than The Coffee Club for a classic Aussie brunch accompanied by a flat white, or the Outback Steakhouse for its take on the Australian barbeque.

    Denmark

    Competing with French cuisine for the most delectable pastries, the mini cream cheese Danish pastries from Pinna Bakery & Café cannot be missed. 

    Tunisia

    For fresh, tasty and authentic Tunisian cuisine, visit Sidi Bou Said Restaurant – be sure to try the couscous platter. 

    Group E – Spain | Costa Rica | Germany | Japan

    Spain

    Fans with a taste for tapas should visit The Cellar in the Hyatt Regency Oryx Doha, or El Faro inside Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl – Doha. Both offer lively settings and a vibrant atmosphere, with traditional recipes from across the Iberian Peninsula.

    Costa Rica

    Costa Rica’s renowned high-quality coffee beans can be found in many of Qatar’s top cafés, such as Vulcan Coffee Roastery in downtown Doha. 

    Germany

    German and Arabian hospitality are united at Steigenberger Hotel Doha, which features a variety of cafés and restaurants with Germanic roots. Crust serves up typical German bread and pastry specialities, and “Genuss” Speciality Restaurant offers contemporary European cuisine with a German twist. 

    Japan

    Many of Qatar’s Japanese restaurants represent the crème de la crème of international cuisine on offer in the country. The world’s largest Nobu is located in the Four Seasons Hotel Doha and sits on its own private island. Morimoto features excellent steak and sushi from the famous Iron Chef and Sora offers spectacular sunset views of Doha’s skyline on the 21st floor of the Park Hyatt Doha. For something more budget-friendly, Ninja Ramen Qatar serves authentic noodles imported from Japan. 

    Group F – Belgium | Canada | Morocco | Croatia

    Belgium

    European cuisine and the best of Belgian beverages can be found at the Belgian Café Doha. Housed within InterContinental Doha, the popular venue attracts the crowds for its extensive outdoor terrace offering views over the Arabian Gulf. 

    Canada

    Arguably the best doughnuts in Doha can be found at Canadian fast-food chain Tim Hortons, which has branches in the capital’s top shopping malls. First-timers should sample a mini-Timbit, the chain’s popular powdered cake ball. 

    Morocco

    Must-try Moroccan spots in Qatar include Argan Moroccan Cuisine with its famous harira soup, Marrakech Restaurant, which features extravagant interiors, and Tajeen Restaurant, which is tucked away in bustling Souq Waqif.

    Croatia

    Guests lucky enough to be staying on the Golden Horizon – the largest square-rigged cruise ship in the world – during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ can expect a Croatian cultural feast on board, including Balkan-inspired delicacies. 

    Group G – Brazil | Serbia | Switzerland | Cameroon

    Brazil

    Ipanema Doha, at Marriott Marquis City Center Doha, offers Brazil’s popular churrascaria concept: large chunks of slow-cooked meat are presented on sword-style skewers and carved table-side by passadores. A traditional Brazilian experience, this restaurant features live music from a trio band each evening from Monday to Saturday.

    Serbia

    The Middle Eastern equivalent of sarma, one of the most popular Serbian dishes, involves stuffing vine leaves rather than cabbage. It is a popular meze option across Qatar’s regional restaurants, such as Sukar Pasha in Katara, where ancient culinary traditions are preserved in a contemporary setting.

    Switzerland

    The Suisse Chalet Restaurant & Café offers Alpine delights to its visitors in the colourful Qanat Quartier district of The Pearl-Qatar, while the Swiss-Café at Swiss-Belinn Doha offers international dishes for those who like to mix it up.

    Cameroon

    Visitors will find dishes similar to Cameroonian staples, such as brochettes, in the many pan-African and even Arabic restaurants across the country. Great value BBQ meats are on offer at KebabbqLamazani Grill and Shujaa Restaurant in Souq Waqif, where a chicken skewer starts from as little as 1 USD.

    Group H – Portugal | Ghana | Uruguay | South Korea

    Portugal

    In central Doha, LÁZARO’S serves genuine Portuguese dishes, or try Santa Nata, in Msheireb Downtown, famous for its authentic pastel de natas. 

    Ghana

    Ghanian favourite Jollof rice, a dish of prepared with tomato sauce, spices and rice, can be found at popular local hotspot Mama’s Place, which dishes up generous portions and aims to create the atmosphere of a home away from home.

    Uruguay

    Those looking for food typical of Uruguay, such as empanadas, should visit The Empanada House Doha for delicious flaky pastries, or Toro Toro which celebrates the vibrant flavours and convivial dining culture of South America.

    South Korea

    Enjoy traditional Korean BBQ, grilled at the table, at one of Qatar’s two Maru Korean BBQ Restaurants – located in Qanat Quartier and West Bay. Complete with authentic Korean interiors, the menu features noodles and grilled BBQ meats.

    For more on Qatar’s delicious mix of culinary choices, visit: https://www.visitqatar.qa/intl-en/things-to-do/food-drink 

    -Ends-

    For media-related inquiries, please contact Qatar Tourism’s Press Office on:

    +974 7774 7863 | pressoffice@visitqatar.qa

    About Qatar: 

    Qatar is a peninsula surrounded by the Arabian Gulf in the heart of the Middle East, with 80% of the earth’s population within a six-hour flight. Ranked the safest country in the world in 2022 by Numbeo, Qatar welcomes all travellers, and guests from over 95 countries can enter visa-free. Qatar has an incredible variety of easily accessible tourist attractions, a plethora of fauna and flora including Whale Sharks and the majestic national animal the Arabian Oryx, and most experiences are a unique combination of cultural authenticity and modernity. From iconic museums to high-rise restaurants, from thrilling desert adventures to world-famous events including none other than the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, there is something for all types of travellers and budgets. Travellers set to transit through Qatar should turn one holiday into two with the world’s best value stopover packages, launched by Qatar Airways and Discover Qatar and supported by Qatar Tourism.

    About Qatar Tourism: 

    Qatar Tourism is the official government body responsible for the development and promotion of tourism in Qatar, facilitating the sector’s exponential growth. Qatar is a destination where people of the world come together to experience unique offerings in arts, culture, sports, and adventure, catering to family and business visitors, rooted in Service Excellence. Qatar Tourism seeks to boost the entire tourism value chain, grow local and international visitor demand, attract inward investment, and drive a multiplier effect across the domestic economy. The Qatar Tourism Strategy 2030 sets an ambitious target to attract over six million international visitors a year by 2030, making Qatar the fastest-growing destination in the Middle East. 

    Web: www.visitqatar.com

    Twitter: @VisitQatar

    Instagram: @VisitQatar

    Source: Qatar Tourism

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  • 10 Budget-Friendly Bites Under USD 10 in Qatar

    10 Budget-Friendly Bites Under USD 10 in Qatar

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    With the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022TM bringing in fans from around the world, Qatar Tourism reveals the budget-friendly restaurants best for big appetites without breaking the bank.

    For less than $30 a day, fans can taste authentic Middle Eastern flavours, or any international cuisine, at breakfast, lunch and dinner, along with local teas and “qahwa” coffee to boost energy levels in preparation for the match excitement. 

    Chief Operating Officer of Qatar Tourism, Berthold Trenkel, said: “Sometimes, all a traveller wants is a quick, affordable, but delicious meal to get them through the day. In Qatar, visitors can grab a shawarma with meat fresh off the grill, or dip warm falafel into tahini for just a few Qatari riyals. With a never-ending portfolio of pocket-friendly bites on every street corner, sometimes the simplest meals are the best. Football fans should get ready to be wowed with our low-cost sweet and savoury sensations.”

    While Qatar excels in luxury offerings, the country also allows for budget dining without scrimping on quality. The road to the FIFA World CupTM has never looked so delicious. 

    Shay AlShomous

    Located in a corner of Souq Waqif, Shay AlShomous is owned and actively run by a renowned Qatari woman called Shams Al Qassabi. With all menu items priced under $7, it’s a must-visit location for authentic Qatari food. Top tip: the restaurant is known for its breakfast rush. 

    Chapati & Karak 

    It’s always tea time at Chapati & Karak. Located in Katara Cultural Village, this establishment serves an assortment of flavoured chapati and innovative teas to quench both sweet and savoury cravings, for under $2. Top tip: perfect for a quick mid-day snack.

    Karak Mqanes

    Karak Mqanes serves traditional Qatari cuisine with a hint of local charm. With more than 20 locations serving recipes shared through generations, Karak Mqanes is known for its Qatari breakfast, desserts, and authentic karak. Most of the menu items are priced under $5. Top tip: make sure to leave room for dessert.  

    Turkey Central Restaurant 

    Located in the heart of the city, Turkey Central is known by both locals and expats for its mouth-watering menu, generous prices and prompt service. The menu options start from $1 upwards, with plates big enough for two to share. Favourites from the restaurant include mixed mezze ($8), mixed grill ($9), half grilled chicken ($7) and the renowned lamb chops ($10). Top tip: be sure to arrive early, as it’s first come first serve and always packed with customers. 

    Petra

    Visitors can drop by any Petra location for a taste of the Middle East. With all sandwiches under $2, this is a trendy destination for a bargain bite. Popular choices include the falafel and chicken sandwiches. Top tip: order two, no one stops at just one.

    Marmara Istanbul Restaurant

    Guests can mark ‘eating shawarma in Qatar’ off the checklist with one of the best at Marmara. Priced at $3.50 and $2 for large and regular-sized shawarma respectively, this restaurant is always buzzing with people at all hours of the day and night. Top tip: the restaurant is open from 9 a.m. to 4 a.m.

    Sabah W Masa

    At $5.20, this Lebanese restaurant serves some of the greatest falafel in town. Fresh Lebanese cuisine is available on the go from a wide menu suitable for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Top tip: one main menu order is good for two people.

    Ali Al Naama Café

    Visitors can dine amongst the hustle and bustle of Souq Waqif at this local eatery. Adorned with traditional seating, the Ali Al Naama Café has become a crowd favourite for its quick service and low-priced menu, with most items under $4. Top tip: the combination of the egg and cheese paratha and a cup of karak make the perfect meal combination. 

    Biryani Corner

    Visitors in the mood for some South Asian cuisine can grab a hearty plate of biryani for under $5 from this local eatery. The selection includes vegetable, egg, chicken and mutton biryani to fulfil everyone’s appetite. It’s best for a quick takeaway. Top tip: order a side of papadum, pickled veggies and yoghurt to make any meal a feast. 

    TeaTime

    With an extensive menu available 24/7 and most items under $4, TeaTime is a night owl’s dream. With branches all over the city, visitors can grab a burger, wrap, snacks and its famous karak everywhere they go. Top tip: most branches do not have dining areas, so it’s best for a quick takeaway.

    *All prices have been rounded to the nearest figure and are subject to change at the restaurant’s discretion.

    For an inexpensive way to get to the eateries, visitors can travel on the state-of-the-art Doha Metro for as little as $0.5 a trip. In operation since 2019, the gleaming rapid transit system boasts some of the fastest driverless trains in the world, linking the capital’s main cultural attractions.

    Visitors interested in more information on where to dine on a budget should visit here: https://www.visitqatar.qa/intl-en/things-to-do/food-drink/economical-budget-friendly

    -Ends-

    For media-related inquiries, please contact Qatar Tourism’s Press Office at:

    +974 7774 7863 | pressoffice@visitqatar.qa 

    About Qatar: 

    Qatar is a peninsula surrounded by the Arabian Gulf in the heart of the Middle East, with 80% of the earth’s population within a six-hour flight. Ranked the safest country in the world in 2022 by Numbeo, Qatar welcomes all travellers, and guests from over 95 countries can enter visa-free. Qatar has an incredible variety of easily accessible tourist attractions, a plethora of fauna and flora including Whale Sharks and the majestic national animal the Arabian Oryx, and most experiences are a unique combination of cultural authenticity and modernity. From iconic museums to high-rise restaurants, from thrilling desert adventures to world-famous events including none other than the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, there is something for all types of travellers and budgets. Travellers set to transit through Qatar should turn one holiday into two with the world’s best value stopover packages, launched by Qatar Airways and Discover Qatar and supported by Qatar Tourism.

    About Qatar Tourism: 

    Qatar Tourism is the official government body responsible for the development and promotion of tourism in Qatar, facilitating the sector’s exponential growth. Qatar is a destination where people of the world come together to experience unique offerings in arts, culture, sports, and adventure, catering to family and business visitors, rooted in Service Excellence. Qatar Tourism seeks to boost the entire tourism value chain, grow local and international visitor demand, attract inward investment, and drive a multiplier effect across the domestic economy. The Qatar Tourism Strategy 2030 sets an ambitious target to attract over six million international visitors a year by 2030, making Qatar the fastest-growing destination in the Middle East. 

    Web: www.visitqatar.qa

    Twitter: @VisitQatar

    Instagram: @VisitQatar

    Source: Qatar Tourism

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  • Sporting Events to Look Out for in Qatar 2022

    Sporting Events to Look Out for in Qatar 2022

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    Press Release


    Jan 25, 2022

    In the 300 days to go until the start of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022TM, the country will welcome a series of elite international sporting events, continuing a tourism drive.

    From an ATP tennis competition to European Tour golf and the MotoGP, Qatar has lots in store for adventure-hungry visitors looking for professional sporting action. 

    Chief Operating Officer of Qatar Tourism, Berthold Trenkel, said: “Sport brings people together and hosting international sporting events allows us to be part of, and to facilitate, cross-cultural moments of human achievement and utility. The country’s ability to host these events demonstrates the trust in Qatar’s ability and health and safety measures to keep players safe when competing at world-class venues. We look forward to welcoming outstanding players, management teams, and of course all the fans to Qatar throughout the year.” 

    Qatar as a nation places a priority on sports and is one of the few countries to celebrate a National Sports Day as a bank holiday, which this year will take place on 8 Feb. For visitors looking to participate in, as well as watch, the action, Qatar Tourism has curated a Sports & Adventure package, in collaboration with 365 Adventures, to give sports enthusiasts a three-day fix of exciting activities. 

    Sports & Adventure Package

    Sports & Adventure 
    Day 1 
    Morning SUP tour of The Pearl-Qatar
    Afternoon Immersive horseback riding with the Al Shaqab Racing Academy
    Evening Sunset kayaking at the mangroves
    Day 2 
    Morning Round of golf / quad biking 
    Afternoon Desert safari to Inland Sea
    Evening Overnight desert camping
    Day 3 
    Morning Scuba diving at GMC Reef
    Afternoon Sandboarding near Sealine camp
    Evening Relaxing spa experience 

    Book the package now at: https://365adventures.me/sports-and-adventure-packages/

    Upcoming sporting events in Qatar

    Discover Qatar’s rich equestrian heritage and learn how the country is a pioneer in breeding purebred Arabians at this 10-day event in Katara Cultural Village. The festival offers various activities for guests to experience, including a horse exhibition and parade, light show, art and painting exhibits, as well as numerous food and beverage stalls. 

    This European Tour golf tournament has been held in Doha since 1998, and rotates between Qatar’s two championship-level courses, Education City Golf Club and Doha Golf Club. Previously won by the likes of Ernie Els, Adam Scott, Paul Lawrie and Henrik Stenson.

    Part of the ATP 250 tour, this annual men’s professional tennis tournament is played outside on hard courts. Famous victors have included Boris Becker, Roger Federer, Andy Murray, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic.

    This professional women’s tennis tournament is a WTA 500 event on the WTA Tour. Previously won by famous players such as Martina Hingis, Maria Sharapova and the defending champion Petra Kvitová.

    The Al Adaid Desert Challenge is an extreme sports race that features on the International Cycling Union calendar. The gruelling event involves 60 kilometres for cyclists and 28 kilometres for runners, starting from the Sealine area and stretching to one of Qatar’s most impressive natural wonders: the ‘Inland Sea’, or Khor Al Adaid.

    One of the most exciting events on the MotoGP calendar, the motorcycle race will take place at the impressive Losail circuit, which recently hosted the 2021 Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix. Having hosted the first-ever floodlit MotoGP back in 2008, this location never fails to impress. Notable winners have included Jorge Lorenzo, Casey Stoner and Valentino Rossi.

    To find out more information on new sporting adventures and developments in Qatar, visit: https://www.visitqatar.qa/en/things-to-do/adventures 

    Travellers set to transit through Qatar should look to combine their sports and adventure trip with the world’s best value stopover packages, launched by Qatar Airways and Discover Qatar and supported by Qatar Tourism.

    -Ends-

    Please note, final event dates may be subject to change regarding the potential impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

    For media-related inquiries, please contact Qatar Tourism’s Press Office on:

    +974 7774 7863 | pressoffice@visitqatar.qa 

    About Qatar: 

    Qatar is a peninsula surrounded by the Arabian Gulf in the heart of the Middle East, with 80% of the earth’s population within a six-hour flight. Ranked the safest country in the world in 2022 by Numbeo, Qatar welcomes all travellers, and guests from over 95 countries can enter visa-free. Qatar has an incredible variety of easily accessible tourist attractions, a plethora of fauna and flora, including Whale Sharks and the majestic national animal the Arabian Oryx, and most experiences are a unique combination of cultural authenticity and modernity. From iconic museums to high-rise restaurants, from thrilling desert adventures to world-famous events including none other than the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, there is something for all types of travellers and budgets.  Travellers set to transit through Qatar should turn one holiday into two with the world’s best value stopover packages, launched by Qatar Airways and Discover Qatar and supported by Qatar Tourism.

    About Qatar Tourism: 

    Qatar Tourism is the official government body responsible for the development and promotion of tourism in Qatar, facilitating the sector’s exponential growth. Qatar is a destination where people of the world come together to experience unique offerings in arts, culture, sports, and adventure, catering to family and business visitors, rooted in Service Excellence. Qatar Tourism seeks to boost the entire tourism value chain, grow local and international visitor demand, attract inward investment, and drive a multiplier effect across the domestic economy. The Qatar Tourism Strategy 2030 sets an ambitious target to attract over six million international visitors a year by 2030, making Qatar the fastest growing destination in the Middle East. 

    Web: www.visitqatar.qa

    Twitter: @VisitQatar

    Instagram: @VisitQatar

    Source: Qatar Tourism

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