Tuesday "marks five years until the 2022 World Cup kicks off in Lusail Stadium, on the outskirts of Doha," according to Martyn Ziegler of the LONDON TIMES. For most World Cup organizers, venues, costs and construction work "cause the biggest headaches." In Qatar, "the migraines run deeper." The 2022 World Cup has become a "central issue in the geopolitical struggle that has divided the Gulf region." The blockade imposed on Qatar in June by Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the UAE was "initially over allegations that it was supporting terrorism." Since then, however, Dubai's head of general security "suggested that the blockade would be lifted if Qatar surrendered the World Cup." There have also been "anonymous, funded campaigns on social media attacking Qatar's suitability as host." Qatar's Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy Secretary General Hassan al-Thawadi paused when asked if the blockade is "partly connected to Qatar's hosting of the tournament." He said, "I honestly don't know. At times, certain actions seem to indicate that that's the case." It is the "latest challenge" for Qatar after "several controversies, not least that the entire football calendar will be rescheduled to accommodate a winter tournament." There is also the "crucial issue of migrant workers' rights, a stain on the Gulf region for years that Qatar has been forced to address after being named host." There have been "positive signs," such as the Int'l Labour Organisation this month dropping a complaint and the Int'l Trade Union Confederation welcoming "the breakthrough from the government of Qatar to end the kafala system of modern slavery." Al-Thawadi: "Of course there are issues. The ILO decision is very welcome as it's recognition of the progress Qatar has made and the commitments it has made, but there is no doubt in my mind that there is more to be done" (LONDON TIMES, 11/20).
'SEPARATE POLITICS': REUTERS' Hadeel Al Sayegh reported Qatar is "urging the four countries imposing a diplomatic and trade boycott against it to allow their nationals to attend the World Cup" in '22, according to al-Thawadi. He said, "We separate politics from sports. We hope that the blockading nations see reason in this matter and allow for their people to be able to participate in this once in a lifetime opportunity" (REUTERS, 11/20).
