Qatar Emir Calls ‘civilized communication’ at World Cup
Qatar’s emir launched the 2022 World Cup on Sunday with a call for the tournament to be a forum for “civilised communication” after more than a decade of controversy.
Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani took centre stage after an elaborate display of dancing in a scene involving swirling desert sands, scimitar swords and 21st century pop stars, all taking place in a stadium styled on a Bedouin tent.
The emir did not mention the attacks made on his Gulf state’s rights record or corruption allegations.
“People of different races, nationalities, creeds and orientations will gather here in Qatar and around screens on all continents to share the same exciting moments,” he told the capacity 60,000 crowd.
With FIFA president Gianni Infantino and Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman watching on, he added: “We will follow with the whole world, God willing, the great football festival in this open space for human and civilized communication.”
Qatar’s royal family and FIFA’s leaders are hoping that the spectacular ceremony and the start of the football will end the storm that erupted over the country’s World Cup preparations.
After fireworks erupted over the stadium, and Infantino welcomed all 32 competing nations to the tournament, Qatar kicked off against Ecuador in the opening match.
