Excessive stakes for Qatar as World Cup begins By Reuters

By Maya Gebeily and Andrew Mills

DOHA (Reuters) -The World Cup kicks off in Qatar on Sunday in a high-stakes occasion for the nation which has confronted a barrage of criticism and staked its fame on delivering a clean event, the primary held within the Center East and costliest in historical past.

In a present of Arab solidarity, Saudi Arabia’s crown prince and the presidents of Egypt and Algeria might be amongst political leaders on the opening ceremony led by Qatar’s emir in a tent-shaped stadium at 5:40 p.m. (1440 GMT), earlier than the primary match between hosts Qatar and Ecuador. The U.N. Secretary-Common will even be there.

The event marks a fruits of Qatar’s smooth energy push on the worldwide stage and a present of energy after rising from a 3-1/2 yr boycott by Saudi Arabia and three Arab allies, together with Egypt, that resulted in 2021. The occasion will even see the primary direct flights from Israel to Qatar.

Onstage, South Korean singer Jungkook of Ok-pop boy band BTS will carry out a brand new official event music referred to as Dreamers alongside Qatari singer Fahad Al-Kubaisi.

Qatar – which has denied accusations of abuse of employees and discrimination – and FIFA hope the focus will flip to motion on the pitch after mounting criticism over international employees’ rights, LGBT rights and social restrictions. Organisers have additionally denied allegations of bribery for internet hosting rights.

In prolonged remarks at a information convention on Saturday, FIFA president Gianni Infantino rounded on European critics of the host nation, saying engagement was the one means to enhance human rights, whereas Doha has additionally pointed to current labour reforms.

Denmark’s and Germany’s staff captains will put on One Love armbands, their groups mentioned, as they put together to compete in a conservative Muslim state the place same-sex relations are unlawful.

Alcohol has been banned at stadiums. Organisers say all are welcome whereas warning in opposition to pubic shows of affection.

FANS

Throngs of followers are already in Doha however the principle rush is predicted later this week, with day by day flights shuttling in followers from neighbouring cities. On arrival, Argentina fan Julio Cesar mentioned he anticipated an awesome environment. “Though there isn’t a beer, we’ll drink earlier than the match.”

As some guests savoured their first sips on the launch of the FIFA Fan Competition on Saturday in central Doha, a whole bunch of employees, all males, gathered in a sports activities area in an industrial zone on town’s edges the place no alcohol was being served. They’ll be capable of watch matches there, priced out of the stadiums many toiled to construct together with different infrastructure for the occasion.

“In fact I did not purchase a ticket. They’re costly and I ought to use that cash for different issues – like sending it again house to my household,” Ghanaian nationwide Kasim, a safety guard who has labored in Qatar for 4 years, informed Reuters.

Neville, a 24-year-old Kenyan, and compatriot Willy, additionally 24 and a Manchester Metropolis fan, have been employed as safety guards for the occasion. “It is a once-in-a-lifetime alternative,” mentioned Neville.

Rich gasoline producer Qatar is the smallest nation to host soccer’s greatest international occasion, organised at a price of $220 billion. Crowd management might be key with some 1.2 million guests anticipated – greater than a 3rd of Qatar’s inhabitants.

Employees have been placing last touches on outside gardens and sidewalks on Saturday and carting development materials close to the Nationwide Museum.

However at Lagoona Mall, the place World Cup songs performed on loop, life continued as regular with individuals queuing on the financial institution, sipping espresso in cafes and shopping for groceries.

“I got here now as a result of I do not understand how unhealthy the site visitors might be later this week,” mentioned Esraa, an Egyptian lady stocking up at meals retailer Carrefour (EPA:).