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Tag: Qatar

  • Worldcup 2022: Qatar bans sex, public drinking for players, fans

    The Asian country of Qatar has banned parties, public drinking  and sex between unmarried partners during the Worldcup that will be staged in the country in November.

    The State of Qatar has a longstanding ban on sex between unmarried people and public consumption of alcohol, which is in line with its Sharia beliefs, and those who violate the ban face up to seven years in prison.

    The country plans to enforce the ban and not exclude foreign football fans who would be in the country for the duration of the tournament.

    Drinking and partying after matches, which frequently occurs in other locations, is also strictly prohibited, the police said. “There is essentially a sex ban in place at this year’s World Cup for the first time ever. Fans need to be prepared,” they noted.

    According to foreign Media Daily Star, the country has no plans to relax the laws for the purpose of the mundial.

    “Sex is very much off the menu, unless you are coming as a husband and wife team. There definitely will be no one-night stands at this tournament.

    “There will be no partying at all really. Everyone needs to keep their heads about them, unless they want to risk ­being stuck in prison.

    “There is essentially a sex ban in place at this year’s World Cup for the first time ever. Fans need to be prepared,” a police source added was quoted as stating.

    Apart from a law against drinking in public and sex between unmarried people, Qatar also forbids anyone from being publicly intoxicated. Public display of affection between men and women, even if married, is also a crime, and one should not be caught wearing revealing clothing in public.

    “With very strict and scary consequences if you are caught. There is a feeling this could be a very bad tournament ­indeed for fans,” a source said.

    Although FIFA has stated that “all are welcome” at the tournament, there have been growing speculations this might not be the case with Qatar’s tough regulations.

    Earlier, the country had announced that same-sex couples and display of insignia related to the LGBTQ+ movement remained banned.

    Meanwhile, the Chief Executive of the Qatar FIFA 2022 World Cup, Nasser al-Khater, had stated that “The safety and security of every fan is of the utmost importance to us.”

    The FIFA World Cup is set to take place from November 21 to December 18. The event will see the participation of 32 countries, including Qatar and five African representatives.

    Nigeria will not feature at the mundial over inability to qualify for the tourney.

  • Upgraded semi-automated offside VAR on course for use at Qatar World Cup

    The introduction of Artificial Intelligence-driven semi-automated VAR offside technology remains on course to be used at the World Cup in Qatar.

    That is the message from The International Football Association Board (The IFAB), the organisation that determines the laws of football.

    Offside decisions using VAR have been taking up to four minutes, with the technology aiming to cut the decision down to three or four seconds by providing faster information.

    Chelsea were the first English Premier League (EPL) side to experience the technology during the FIFA Club World Cup in February.

    This was just two months after the initial semi-automated system made its debut.

    The IFAB continues in its discussions with FIFA as to the implementation of the upgraded VAR system, with the aim to utilise the offside technology at the upcoming World Cup in November.

    “It looks very good and very promising,” FIFA president Gianni Infantino told a news conference on Monday.

    “Our experts are looking into [the trials] before we take a decision on whether it will be used for the World Cup or not.”

    FIFA’s head of refereeing Pierluigi Collina, added: “My personal opinion is that I’m very confident we can go ahead with this.

    “We want to achieve accuracy, quicker decisions, also more accepted decisions.

    “We have seen in matches where the semi-automated offside was implemented (and) these objectives were achieved.

    “It uses the same process as goal-line technology, and we have seen (that) that is very well accepted by the football community. Nobody comments on this.

    “We are confident that the same reaction, in terms of acceptance, can be given to the semi-automated offside.”

    The Premier League in England is expected to introduce the technology, if successful at the World Cup, in the 2023/2024 season.

    Trials are also in the works to give attacking players the advantage in offside situations, with Collina revealing the rules are under consideration.

    “We are considering that a very marginal offside is not that relevant to be punished in modern football,” Collina added.

    “So, we are running this experiment. Unfortunately, the competitions where these trials were allowed were suspended or abandoned for almost two years due to the pandemic.

    “So, now we have tests going on in [youth football] in the Netherlands, in Italy and in Sweden and certainly we will come to conclusions once we have evidence and figures from these trials.”

    The IFAB also confirmed it was investigating how to reduce time-wasting, with the ball usually in action for just 54 minutes of a 90-minute match.

  • NFF President attends FIFA World Cup draw in Qatar despite Nigeria’s failure to qualify

    NFF President attends FIFA World Cup draw in Qatar despite Nigeria’s failure to qualify

    Despite Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, President of the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, Amaju Pinnick, has taken a trip to Qatar for the competition’s final draw taking place on Friday in Doha, Qatar.

     

    Pinnick is a member of the FIFA Executive Council and will witness the 2022 World Cup draw without the Super Eagles of Nigeria, who failed to qualify for the tournament.

     

    Nigeria failed to qualify for the World Cup on Tuesday after losing to Ghana by away goal rule.

     

    The World Cup draw will be attended by 2,000 guests and will be led by Carli Lloyd, Jermaine Jenas and Samantha Johnson and assisted by the likes of Cafu (Brazil), Lothar Matthaus (Germany), Jay-Jay Okocha (Nigeria),

    Rabah Madjer (Algeria) and Tim Cahill (Australia), Adel Ahmed MalAllah (Qatar), Ali Daei (IR Iran) and Bora Milutinovic (Serbia/Mexico).

     

    Meanwhile, 32 countries will be involved in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

     

    Twenty-nine countries are currently known and will be drawn into eight groups of four.

     

    Two of the remaining three spots will be filled by the winners of the Intercontinental Play-offs on 13 or 14 June.

     

    The final berth is determined by Path A of the European qualifying play-offs, in which Wales will face off against either Scotland or Ukraine in the final.

     

     

  • Nigeria’s policies is to enhance performance of the oil and gas sector- President Buhari

    Nigeria’s policies is to enhance performance of the oil and gas sector- President Buhari

    President Muhammadu Buhari, on Tuesday, said Nigeria is embarking on different initiatives, projects, and policies to enhance the performance of the oil and gas sector.

    Addressing the 6th Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) Summit in Doha, Qatar, President Buhari, asserted that enactment of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) was designed to enable Nigeria to derive more value from natural gas.

    Buhari was represented by Chief Timipre Sylva, Minister of State, Petroleum Resources, according to a statement by Horatius Egua, Senior Adviser to the Minister on Media and Communications.

    The President noted that the recent enactment of the PIA was an indication of the government’s commitment to derive more value from natural gas by providing the required governance, regulatory and fiscal framework to support the industry’s growth.

    He described Nigeria as a gas province with some oil was committed to sustainable growth of natural gas exploitation and utilisation, both for domestic use and export via LNG and pipeline gas to sub-regional African countries.

    According to him, some of the gas initiatives Nigeria is currently embarking upon include the National Gas Expansion Program (NGEP).

    “NGEP is designed to provide framework and policy support to extend gas supply and utilization in power generation, gas-based industries, and in emerging niche gas sectors.

    “Such is gas in transportation, Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) for cooking and remote virtual gas supply using trucks to convey LNG and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) to industries,” he said.

    The other initiatives according to the president are the Ajaokuta-Abuja-Kano gas pipeline to support five billion cubic feet per day of domestic gas utilization in the near term and five-Gigawatt power generation.

    “The expanding of the current LNG production capacity to about 30 million tons per annum at Bonny with the ongoing N-LNG Train seven project and the declaration of 2021-2030 as the Decade of Gas towards a gas-powered economy.

    “This would not only lower Nigeria’s Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions but also reduce the country’s import bills.”

    The President noted that with natural gas projected to be the leading fossil fuel in the energy transition, the GECF, given its member countries’ vast experience, was well-positioned to provide a credible platform to promote natural gas as a sustainable fuel for an effective energy transition.

    “We, therefore, need to continue to assess the gas and energy market dynamics both in the short, medium, and long-term time frame with the aim of taking market opportunities and collectively address the challenges,” he noted.

    To achieve the set objectives, he stressed the need to work together as policymakers, investors, decision-makers, researchers, and technology developers to make modern energy sources such as natural gas available and affordable to all.

    While restating Nigeria’s commitment to the Conference of Parties (COP26) Glasgow declaration towards zero carbon emissions, Buhari however underscored the importance of natural gas for an effective energy transition towards a low carbon future.

    He equally emphasized the need for natural gas as a fuel for socio-economic development, taking into consideration its credentials such as abundant, flexible, cleanest fossil fuel, and its versatility.

  • Why I will not watch 2022 World Cup – Eric Cantona

    Why I will not watch 2022 World Cup – Eric Cantona

    Manchester United legend, Eric Cantona has revealed he will not watch the 2022 World Cup holding in Qatar.

    The former France international has been very critical about FIFA’s decision to award Qatar the showpiece event and sees no justification for having done so. He also highlighted the dreadful conditions that workers have been subjected to in the construction of the stadia for the tournament.

    ‘To be honest, I don’t really care about the next World Cup, which is not a real World Cup for me. In the last decades, you had a lot of events like the Olympic Games or World Cups in countries that are emerging – like in Russia or China, Cantona told Sportsmail.

    ‘But Qatar – it’s not the country of football. I’m not against the idea of hosting a World Cup in a country where there is a possibility to develop and promote football, like in South Africa or the United States in the 90’s.

    ‘Football is the most popular feminine sport in the United States, there is a lot of South American immigration, and a big potential for the sport to develop.

    ‘In fact, now in the United States, the sport which has the most licensed people is football. But in Qatar, the truth is that there is no such potential. There is nothing. It’s only about money I think.

    ‘It’s only about money and the way they treated the people who built the stadiums, it’s horrible. And thousands of people died. And yet we will celebrate this World Cup.’

    He went on: ‘Personally, I will not watch it. I understand football is a business. But I thought it was the only place where everybody could have a chance.

    ‘And I still think that young players can grow up in a very poor area – most players come from poor areas. And they become footballers and have a chance to save themselves and save their family which is great. And if you are good, you are good. It’s a meritocracy – if you’re better than the next guy, you will play and it’s fair.

    ‘So it’s why, maybe, if meritocracy and potential is the essence of football, it’s even more surprising that we can organize a World Cup in Qatar, and people actually voted for that.’

    His criticism comes after reports last year that a huge number of migrant workers allegedly died in the Middle Eastern country as they built cities, roads and stadiums out of the desert sand under extreme temperatures.

    Relatives of the workers believe their deaths have resulted from being forced to toil too long under the burning sun without shade, breaks and water in temperatures exceeding 40C for just £8.30 a day.

    It is believed FIFA will make more than £3billion from the world cup this summer.

  • Barca chiefs in Doha for Xavi deal

    Barca chiefs in Doha for Xavi deal

    La Liga giant Barcelona expect to secure the signing of new coach Xavi today.

    Sport says Barca directors Rafa Yuste and Mateu Alemany are in Doha and currently in talks with Al Sadd president Mohammed bin Hamad.

    Xavi will lead Al Sadd against Al Duhail on Thursday and then put pen to paper on a deal with Barca.

    The former Barca captain will sign a contract to the end of the season, with a further two years included. It’s also suggested Al Sadd will release Xavi without any demand of compensation.

    Xavi is expected in Barcelona on the weekend, though caretaker coach Sergi Barjuan will remain in charge for the clash with Celta Vigo.

  • James Rodriguez travels to Qatar for transfer talks

    James Rodriguez travels to Qatar for transfer talks

    Everton midfielder James Rodriguez has travelled to Qatar for talks with a club before a potential move to the Middle East.

    The 30-year-old Colombian international’s status at Goodison has looked uncertain after manager Rafael Benitez replaced Carlo Ancelotti in the summer.

    The former Real Madrid player, who joined Everton for a nominal fee a year ago, has yet to play for Benitez this season, missing several games because of a coronavirus-related issue.

    His last game for the club came in a 1-0 defeat by Sheffield United on 16 May.

    With Rodriguez’s wages reported to be £200,000 a week, a move to another club would be a significant financial saving for Everton.

    Benitez has talked about his frustration about not being able to sign more players because Financial Fair Play rules had “killed” the club.

  • Spain’s ‘new breed’ ready to kick off World Cup campaign

    Spain’s ‘new breed’ ready to kick off World Cup campaign

    Spain kick off their campaign to qualify for the 2022 World Cup finals in Qatar on Thursday night with a new breed of players looking to make their mark.

    Only six of the 24-man squad named by coach Luis Enrique for the forthcoming matches against Greece, Georgia and Kosovo formed part of the ill-fated expedition to the 2018 finals.

    That trip to Russia was marked by the sacking of coach Julen Lopetegui on the eve of the tournament.

    Goalkeeper David de Gea, Sergio Ramos, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, Koke and Thiago Alcantara are the survivors in a virtually unrecognisable squad from three years ago.

    But Enrique (and for a while Roberto Moreno) has rang the changes.

    Although De Gea forms part of the squad, Athletic Club Bilbao’s 23-year-old Unai Simon is likely to start in goal against Greece on Thursday night.

    Enrique has shown his faith in youths by calling up FC Barcelona’s 18-year-old Pedri, along with 21-year-old Pedro Porro, who is on loan at Sporting club de Portugal from Manchester City.

    Bryan Gil, the 20-year-old who is on loan at Eibar from Sevilla, has also earned his place.

    Robert Sanchez, a 23-year-old goalkeeper, was a surprise call-up after performing magnificently for Brighton.

    Alba, Ramos and Busquets will still form the backbone of the Spain side, with Ramos’ 178 caps, 120 for Busquets and 70 for Alba, giving them a wealth of experience.

    That experience will be vital to given that Unai Simon has only played for his country four times.

    Eric Garcia has three caps, Diego Llorente six, Dani Olmo eight and Ferran Torres seven.

    Enrique has shown he is not afraid to look beyond Spain’s borders with Garcia, Torres, Llorente all playing in England.

    Porro is currently plying his trade in Portugal and Olmo plays in Germany.

    Only four squad members are aged over 30 (Ramos, Alba, Busquets and Sergio Canales).

    In contrast, the fact that nine players under Enrique’s orders these days are aged 23 or under implies a positive future for Spain after the disappointments of 2018.

  • Transfer: Luis Suarez in contact with Al-Arabi

    Transfer: Luis Suarez in contact with Al-Arabi

    Barcelona striker Luis Suarez is being offered a bank-busting move to Qatar.

    Bein Sport reports Al-Arabi are keen to tempt the Uruguay international to Qatar’s competition. Contact with Suarez has already been established.

    Now 33, Suarez has a contract with Barca to 2021, though a 12 month option will be triggered should he meet certain targets.

    Al-Arabi coach Heimir Hallgrimsson is a big fan of Suarez and has personally requested his signing to the club’s board.

    The contact for now has been exploratory, with Al-Arabi sounding out the veteran about his interest in extending his career in Qatar and Asian football.

  • Beirut explosion: China, UK, EU, US, Qatar pledge €252m aid to Lebanon

    Beirut explosion: China, UK, EU, US, Qatar pledge €252m aid to Lebanon

    Britain, Qatar, the United States, the European Union, China, the World Bank have pledged immediate humanitarian relief worth over 252 million euros (297.08 million U.S. dollars) to Lebanon.

    Beirut, the Lebanese capital was rocked last week by two huge explosions that have claimed at least 158 lives and injured 6,000 others.

    The aid pledge followed a UN-backed virtual conference hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron.

    The donors thereafter issued a joint statement, pledging solidarity with and support for the Lebanese people.

    “The participants agreed that their assistance should be timely, sufficient and consistent with the needs of the Lebanese people, well-coordinated under the leadership of the United Nations, and directly delivered to the Lebanese population, with utmost efficiency and transparency,” said the statement.

    “To help Lebanon overcome the tragedy and recover better, we will need all hands on deck,” UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed told the conference.

    Noting that the devastating Beirut port blast will have “deep social and economic impacts,” Mohammed called for a focus on the support of “four priority sectors — health, food, the rehabilitation of buildings and the rehabilitation of schools.”

    “The Lebanese people deserve a stable and secure future,” the UN deputy chief said, adding that “with determination and solidarity, we can help them reach that long-sought goal.”

    Calling for quick reconstruction support at the conference, Lebanese President Michel Aoun said “we have great needs at the moment and we must meet them quickly before the winter as citizens will suffer a lot without shelters during the cold weather.”

    “The earthquake struck us while we are in the midst of economic and financial crisis, in addition to the existence of over 1 million refugees in Lebanon and the repercussions of COVID-19. Dealing with all these is way beyond the capacity of Lebanon,” Aoun added.

    A dozen of countries and international organizations have expressed solidarity and sympathy with Lebanon over the deadly explosions, with medical supplies and foodstuff to the Middle East country.

    The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said Friday that it is mobilizing assistance to support its staff and refugees affected by the deadly blasts.

    “We are making available our stocks of shelter kits in the country, plastic sheets, rub halls, and tens of thousands of other core relief items including blankets and mattresses for immediate distribution and use. Additional stockpiles in the region will come in reinforcement,” the UNHCR said in a statement.

    Lebanon has received field hospitals from a number of countries in the past few days, including France, Jordan, Russia and Qatar, to aid in the treatment of injured people and COVID-19 patients.

    The blasts hit the Port of Beirut at around 6:10 p.m. local time (1610 GMT) on Tuesday, causing massive casualties and costing the city 3 billion to 5 billion dollars in property losses.

    The causes of the blasts remain unknown and an investigation is underway, but Interior Minister Mohammad Fahmi said the 2,700 tons of explosive chemicals stored at Port of Beirut may have led to the explosions.

    Lebanese Environment Minister Demianos Kattar and Information Minister Manal Abdel Samad on Sunday submitted their resignations following the blasts, local media reported.

    A number of members of parliament also presented their resignations a day earlier due to the explosions.