On Thursday, French President Emmanuel Macron entered the debate around Qatar’s World Cup hosting, stating that it was unwise to politicize sport.
Macron, whose country’s national team is defending the title they won in Russia in 2018, stated, “I think we must not politicize sport.”
Controversy has surrounded the 2022 World Cup, which begins on Sunday, including issues related to human rights.
While in Bangkok for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit. Macron told reporters, “These problems must be addressed when hosting the event is determined.”
Hugo Lloris, the captain of France’s national football team, has declared he will not wear an anti-discrimination armband. During the competition like other European captains. The goal, according to Lloris, was to “show respect” to Qatar.
Considering that France will host the Olympic Games in 2024, Macron would travel to Qatar. If France advances to the semifinals, said it was “a very poor notion to politicize sport.”
As is customary for major sporting events, Paris and a few other French cities have stated they will not broadcast matches from Qatar on large screens.
French President Macron, like others, including former France great Eric Cantona, rejected calls to boycott the event.
“I oppose calling for a World Cup boycott. These inquiries ought to be made earlier when the (right to host) a competition or game is announced. “During a meeting with French students in Bangkok, Macron said.
In 2018, the president traveled to Russia to witness Lloris win France’s second World Cup championship with a 4-2 victory over Croatia.
On Tuesday, France will face Australia to start their World Cup trophy defense, followed by matches against Denmark and Tunisia.