On the sidelines of the Davos Economic Forum, Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani of Qatar slammed what he called an “unprecedented attack” on his country, which is hosting the World Cup final for the first time later this year. in the Arab world and the Middle East.

Bin Hamad said Qatar was “not perfect, (but) it has changed at lightning speed” since it was awarded the World Cup in 2010.

Less than six months before the football wedding began on November 21, the Emir of Qatar said: “For decades, the Middle East has suffered from discrimination. I have learned that such discrimination is largely due to people who do not know us, and in some cases refuse to recognize us. Even today, there are still people who do not accept the idea that an Arab Islamic country will host a tournament like the World Cup.

Al-Thani believes that “these individuals, including many powerful individuals, have carried out attacks at unprecedented speed.”

The words of the Emir of Qatar came in response to criticism of the state in the field of human rights and to his accusation of exploitation of foreign workers.

Last Thursday, the non-government human rights organization Amnesty International asked the International Federation to pay at least $ 440 million in compensation to migrant workers “abused” at construction sites associated with the 2022 FIFA World Cup.