(ATR) The ruler of Qatar says his country will be ready to deliver the 2022 World Cup regardless of the time of year it’s held.
Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani delivered that promise to CNN’s Christiane Amanpour in an appearance on her September 25 program. The interview is the first he has given since taking the reins of power from his father last year. And his comments about some of the controversy over the 2022 World Cup are the first he’s made in public about these issues.
"People should understand that Qatar had the best bid, and Qatar will provide and will do one of the best World Cups in history. And I'm sure about that," he said.
"People don't want to accept, don't want to realize that a small country, Arab, Muslim country, can host a big event like that."
Regarding the timing of the event, currently set for summer, the Emir said Qatar is able to host it whichever time of year FIFA finally decides. And he says if it is held in the hottest months of the year, Qatar will be ready with Stadium cooling technologies that will keep players and spectators comfortable.
He acknowledged problems with safety conditions and other labor issues with workers brought to Qatar to work on stadiums for the World Cup. Reports say more than 1000 foreign workers have died so far.
"Yes, it's true -- we had problems. We're solving the problems. We're enforcing the laws -- it's not acceptable," he told Amanpour.
"We changed the laws. They are enforced and there are many laws that have been changed. And I'm telling you because I am personally hurt about the situation."
Emir Tamin, 34, appeared relaxed, confident in his CNN appearance in New York City. His father stepped down as the head of state last year to allow a younger generationto run the wealthy emirate. He became an IOC member in 2002 at that time the youngest regular member of the committee. Despite the new demands as Emir, Al Thani has given no indication that he will leave the IOC. He is also president of the Qatar NOC.
The Emir was in New York as part of the opening days of the United Nations general assembly, where he spoke. In his remarks he called for a worldwide effort to help rebuild Gaza after the latest wave of violence between Israel and Palestine. He freely blamed Israel for the devastation and called for Israel to make peace.
On CNN, the main line of questions concerned Qatar’s role in the politics of theMiddle East.
He dismissed charges that Qatar helps send money to groups linked to terrorists.
"We don't fund extremists. If you talk about certain movements, especially in Syria and Iraq, we all consider them terrorist movement."
"I know that in America and some countries they look at some movements as terrorist movements. ... But there are differences. There are differences that some countries and some people that any group which comes from Islamic background are terrorists. And we don't accept that."
The Emir says Qatar is a willing member of the coalition put together by the United States to combat ISIS in Syria and Iraq.
He blames Syrian leader Bashar Al Assad for the trouble in the region.
"The main cause of all this is the regime in Syria, and this regime should be punished," the Emir said.
"Unfortunately, we are in a situation now that the Syrian people, who demanded for their freedom, are between a regime, brutal regime, and terrorist acts."
"We are for peace," he said,
For more on the appearance of the Emir on CNN, click here.
Written by Ed Hula.
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