Leaders | Don’t smear the emir

In defence of Qatar’s hosting of the World Cup

It is a worthier venue for a big sporting event than other recent hosts

DOHA, QATAR - NOVEMBER 16: In this photo illustration, the Official Match Ball of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 is seen in front of Khalifa International Stadium at sunset ahead of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 on November 16, 2022 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

Migrant workers are often treated very badly. There is much less sexual freedom than in Western countries. It is not a democracy. These statements are true of Qatar, where the month-long finals of the football World Cup begin this weekend. They are also true of Russia, which hosted the previous World Cup, and China, which hosted the most recent Olympic games, last winter. In fact, Qatar is a much more suitable country to host a big sporting event than either of those two.

This article appeared in the Leaders section of the print edition under the headline “In defence of Qatar”

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