Ten thousand French supporters will attend the 2022 World Cup (November 20-December 18), the French ambassador to this country, Jean-Baptiste Faivre, announced during a television interview on Monday November 7, adding that 300 representatives of the French Ministries of Interior and Defense will provide security for the event in Qatar. A guest of the local sports TV channel Al-Kass, he also wished “clarify the French position“on calls to boycott the competition, which begins on November 20.”The answer is, of course, no. France will not boycott the World Cup“, he assured.
Asked about the decision of certain municipalities, including Paris, not to install giant screens to broadcast the matches, the ambassador recalled that they are “independent of government” and considered that their choice is also explained by the “cold” and the “economic conditions that we live in France“.
Former players, political leaders and French municipalities have called in recent months for a boycott of the World Cup in the small Gulf emirate, criticized for respect for human rights, in particular migrant workers, and the environment.
The ambassador spoke of “preconceptions” on Qatar in France. “There should be more balance, and that’s why I’m here today“, he continued, before insisting on the quality of the “partnership“between the two states.”Of course, Qatar is known as an economic partner, and this is true because investments and contracts mean jobs and growth in France, but the relationship between Qatar and France goes far beyond“, he said.
The number of match tickets available for fans and sponsors during the World Cup is 3.1 million. France is one of the ten nations that have bought the most tickets, along with Qatar, the United States, Saudi Arabia, England, Mexico, the United Arab Emirates, Argentina, Brazil and Germany. The host country expects an influx of more than 1 million visitors until the final on December 18.