French President Emmanuel Macron stated on Thursday that sports should not be politicized amidst the ongoing controversy over Qatar hosting the FIFA World Cup, just days before its commencement, particularly due to the emirate's human rights record. Macron, whose national team is defending the world title it won in Russia in 2018, said, "I believe sports should not be politicized," during a conversation with journalists upon his arrival in Bangkok for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit.
He added, "These issues should be addressed when awarding the hosting rights." Macron, who previously announced that he would go to Qatar if France reached the semi-finals, expressed that politicizing sports is a very bad idea, reminding that his country will host the Olympic Games in 2024.
As the World Cup in Qatar approaches, calls for a boycott of the football event have been increasing in Europe, in light of corruption allegations concerning how the wealthy emirate obtained the rights to organize the tournament. The criticism also includes Doha's human rights record regarding freedoms, women's rights, LGBTQ+ individuals, and migrant workers, as well as Qatar's conservative societal traditions, hot climate, and air conditioning in stadiums.
Macron arrived in Bangkok late Wednesday, looking to revive his country's strategic ambitions in the Asia-Pacific region following the insult Australia delivered to France by canceling a major submarine contract in 2021.
