• News

Louis van Gaal slams Qatar for hosting 2022 World Cup

Louis van Gaal
Getty Images
Advertisement

Louis van Gaal has heavily criticised the decision to host the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Netherlands boss Louis van Gaal has slammed the decision to host the 2022 World Cup in Qatar later this year.

Holland have already qualified for the World Cup, but the 70-year-old has insisted that the aim to “promote football” in Qatar as “bull****”.

According to Eurosport, Van Gaal said: “Everyone knows that I think it’s ridiculous that the World Cup is there.

“That we are going to play in a country to allow football to develop there? That’s bulls***. It is about money and commercial interests. That matters in FIFA.

“Why do you think I’m not on a committee with my expertise? I’ve always opposed those kinds of organisations. It is not right. I can say that in Qatar, but that [my opposition] doesn’t help the world get rid of this problem.”

Human rights groups have raised concerns about the 2022 World Cup being held in Qatar where a number of migrant workers have lost their lives while building stadiums and other facilities.

He added: “I think it’s wrong that this tournament was given [to Qatar]. Immigrant workers are subjected to days without rest with the temperature under a torrid 50 degrees, they suffer from insufficient nutrition, without drinking water and at crazy temperatures. All of these points are absolutely unacceptable.”

ExpressVPN
Go further with the #1 trusted leader in VPN

He went on to say: “Would a boycott serve to improve working conditions? I think not. Football always arouses extreme attention. Be it before the tournament or during it.”

The World Cup is due to get underway on November 21 and will run until December 18.

x