Qatar summons German ambassador over interior minister’s World Cup remarks

Qatar’s Foreign Ministry summoned the German ambassador Claudius Fischbach on Friday following the recent comments made by interior minister Nancy Faeser regarding the Gulf state’s hosting of the 2022 World Cup.

A statement from Qatar’s Foreign Ministry said that Fischbach had been handed an objection memo, expressing the Gulf nation’s disappointment as well as complete rejection and condemnation of remarks made by German Federal Minister of Interior Faeser.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 22: The Socceroos pose for a photo during the International Friendly match between the Australia Socceroos and the New Zealand All Whites at Suncorp Stadium on September 22, 2022 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

Related article Qatar says it 'commends' call for reform after Socceroos video criticizing its LGBTQ and labor rights

During an interview on Thursday with CNN’s German affiliate ARD, Faeser emphasized that the awarding of major sporting events such as the upcoming World Cup should be linked to criteria, “namely, compliance with human rights and principles of sustainability.”

Faeser also said she wanted to hear civil society’s opinion on whether progress had been made, ARD reported.

Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also demanded clarification for these remarks, it added.

“The remarks made by the minister ahead of her official visit to Doha next week were against diplomatic norms and conventions, especially in light of the distinguished ties between the State of Qatar and Germany in all fields,” the statement said.

BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 06: Peter Tatchell makes a speech on the main stage at the 'We Are Fabuloso' festival during Brighton Pride on August 06, 2022 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Tristan Fewings/Getty Images)

Related article British LGBTQ activist Peter Tatchell protests outside the Qatar national museum

The 2022 World Cup kicks off on November 20 and runs through December 18 in the Gulf state.

However, Qatar’s staging of the tournament has been dogged by controversy.

The Guardian reported last year that 6,500 migrant workers had died in the country in the 10 years following Qatar’s successful bid to host the tournament in 2010, most of whom were involved in low-wage, dangerous labor, often undertaken in extreme heat.

The report – “categorically” denied by tournament organizers – did not connect all 6,500 deaths with World Cup infrastructure projects and has not been independently verified by CNN.

Khalifa International Stadium —

The Khalifa International Stadium was the first of the Qatar 2022 World Cup venues to be completed.

Khalifa International Stadium —

It officially opened on May 19, 2017, and can hold 48,000 fans after being expanded for the World Cup.

Khalifa International Stadium —

Initially opened in 1976, the stadium is situated close to Doha's impressive Aspire Zone and has undergone two reconstructions, first in 2005 and then in 2017.

Al Wakrah Stadium —

An artist's rendering of the Al Wakrah stadium in Qatar.

Al Wakrah Stadium —

Situated a short distance outside Doha, the Al-Wakrah Stadium was designed by Zaha Hadid Architects and will have a capacity of 40,000. It will also host games up until the World Cup quarterfinals.

Qatar Foundation Stadium —

The Qatar Foundation Stadium in Doha's Education City will have an initial capacity of 40,000.

Qatar Foundation Stadium —

But that will be reduced to 20,000 after the tournament, with half the seats removed and donated to build stadiums in developing countries.

Al Bayt Stadium —

The Al Bayt Stadium will be built in the city of Al Khor to the north of Doha and have a capacity of 60,000.

Al Bayt Stadium —

An artist's impression of the exterior of the Al Bayt Stadium.

Al Bayt Stadium —

The stadium design, which depicts a giant tent structure, honors Qatar's past and present, according to Qatar's Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy.

Al Thumama Stadium —

The 40,000-seat Al Thumama Stadium will host matches up to the quarterfinals of the 2022 World Cup. The venue's design represents the gahfiya, a traditional woven cap worn by males across the Arab world.

Al Rayyan Stadium —

The Al Rayyan Stadium will be built on the site of the existing Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium in Al Rayyan just outside Doha.

Al Rayyan Stadium —

An artists' impression of the Al Rayyan Stadium which will host matches up until the quarterfinal stage of the tournament.

The Lusail Iconic Stadium just outside Doha is slated to host the opening and closing matches of the 2022 World Cup. It's also at the center of the Lusail City project which will eventually be home to more than 200,000 people, according to Qatar's Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy.

Take a tour of the Qatar 2022 World Cup stadiums

Prev Next

Qatar has also been the subject of criticism for the country’s anti-LGBTQ laws.

Earlier this week British LGBTQ activist Peter Tatchell protested by himself outside the Qatar national museum.

“I did this protest to highlight Qatar’s abuse of LGBT, women’s and migrant workers rights,” Tatchell’s foundation said in a statement.

“I was standing in solidarity with brave Qatari human rights defenders who cannot make their voices heard because of the risk of arrest, jail and torture.”

Celine Alkhaldi, Irene Nasser, Sammy Mngqosini and Wayne Sterling contributed to this report.