World Cup in Qatar – Norwegian president defends himself against criticism from Qatar: ‘completely wrong’

Norway Football Association President Liz Clavens has defended herself against criticism of her striking speech to the FIFA Congress. The 40-year-old told the Norwegian newspaper that allegations by World Cup president Hassan Al Thawadi that she had never spoken to the Qatari organizers were “completely false”. Bladet Dag.

Several discussions have been held with the Organizing Committee and FIFA for over a year. “I participated in live interviews myself,” Clavins added on the TV station. NRK. FIFA President Gianni Infantino ‘had meetings with us’ as well as Al Thawadi ‘directly and indirectly through many channels’.

On Thursday, the head of the Norwegian Football Association criticized FIFA in Doha for dealing with human rights and hosting the World Cup in Qatar. She spoke of the World Cup award in an “unacceptable manner” with “unacceptable consequences”. On the other hand, Infantino defended Qatar once again despite the ongoing criticism over the human rights situation.

“We wish we were not persona non grata,” Clavins said, noting that this was not the intent of the speech: “We should at least try to keep the line in front of the Supreme Committee (the Red Organizing Committee).” The goal was also to “talk with whom one could ally themselves”.

The new president of the German Football Association, Bernd Neuendorf, welcomed his colleague’s speech after the conference. The German Football Association president said he wanted to “speak first” and try to “get information freely. This is just as important”.