FIFA President Gianni Infantino on Saturday derided Western critics of Qatar’s human rights document and blasted their ‘hypocrisy’ throughout a gap information convention in Doha, Qatar, earlier than the World Cup, which kicks off on Sunday.

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FIFA President Gianni Infantino on Saturday derided Western critics of Qatar’s human rights document and blasted their ‘hypocrisy’ throughout a gap information convention in Doha, Qatar, earlier than the World Cup, which kicks off on Sunday.

Christopher Lee/Getty Images

DOHA, Qatar — FIFA president Gianni Infantino used his opening press convention earlier than the beginning of the monthlong World Cup to ship a blistering tirade on the West for continued criticism of host nation Qatar and its human rights record.

For an hour, Infantino lectured the worldwide press assembled on the Qatar National Convention Centre after which took questions for 45 minutes. In prolonged, and at occasions indignant remarks, Infantino blasted the criticism of Qatar and FIFA.

“I am European. For what we have been doing for 3,000 years around the world, we should be apologizing for the next 3,000 years before giving moral lessons,” he mentioned.

He furthered the protection by saying, “Today I feel Qatari. Today I feel Arab. Today I feel African. Today I feel gay. Today I feel disabled. Today I feel a migrant worker.”

Infantino mentioned he has difficulties understanding the criticism and known as it hypocrisy. “We have to invest in helping these people, in education and to give them a better future and more hope. We should all educate ourselves, many things are not perfect, but reform and change takes time.”

Since FIFA selected Qatar to stage this match in 2010, soccer’s governing physique and the host nation have endured withering criticism. It’s the primary time a Middle Eastern nation has hosted a World Cup. A report released this month from the London-based rights group Equidem mentioned the migrant laborers who constructed the World Cup stadiums labored lengthy hours and beneath harsh circumstances. The report mentioned they have been subjected to discrimination, wage theft and different abuses.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino was defiant and combative on the opening press convention forward of the World Cup in Qatar on November 19, 2022 in Doha, Qatar.

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Fabrice Coffrini/AFP by way of Getty Images

FIFA President Gianni Infantino was defiant and combative on the opening press convention forward of the World Cup in Qatar on November 19, 2022 in Doha, Qatar.

Fabrice Coffrini/AFP by way of Getty Images

Infantino’s information convention comes a day after FIFA and Qatar introduced that the sale of beer can be banned on the eight stadiums. FIFA mentioned the choice would guarantee “the stadiums and surrounding areas provide an enjoyable, respectful and pleasant experience for all fans.”

The sale of alcohol is strictly managed in Qatar, which follows a conservative type of Islam often known as Wahhabism. Public consumption of alcohol is just allowed in sure accommodations and eating places.

Infantino mentioned he has been assured by the federal government in Qatar that LGBTQ followers are welcome within the nation. Same-sex relations are unlawful and punishable by jail time.

The 64-game match kicks off Sunday with host Qatar taking up Ecuador. More than one million followers will journey to the nation. Infantino mentioned it will be the most effective World Cup ever.