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High U.S. diplomat Antony Blinken will attend the World Cup in Qatar, a U.S. official confirmed to POLITICO Monday.
Blinken, the U.S. secretary of state, might be in Al-Rayyan for the U.S. vs. Wales match on November 21, on day two of essentially the most controversial World Cup in many years. He’s additionally anticipated to carry talks with Qatari leaders.
Qatar has confronted blowback ever because it was awarded the match in 2010. Bribery and corruption allegations dogged the bidding course of, and the nation’s human rights report and its therapy of migrant employees have been slammed by activists, politicians and soccer associations.
Blinken’s attendance is a sign that, regardless of the criticism that has plagued the match, senior diplomatic figures haven’t been delay attending. Qatar has emerged as a key strategic ally for the West on power safety, as Russia’s conflict on Ukraine wreaks havoc on Europe’s gasoline provide.
On the identical day because the U.S. takes on Wales, Blinken may also maintain talks with Qatari leaders as a part of an ongoing strategic dialogue with the Center Japanese nation, a former U.S. official informed POLITICO.
U.Ok. Overseas Secretary James Cleverly introduced Monday that he additionally could be attending the match. He informed the British parliament’s overseas affairs committee that followers touring to Qatar ought to “respect the legislation” whereas they’re within the nation, a remark that drew a pointy rebuke from an LGBTQ+ member of the committee.
A spokesperson for the U.S. State Division stated it had no journey plans to announce.
U.S. President Joe Biden shouldn’t be anticipated to attend any of the occasions, regardless that the U.S. is — together with Canada and Mexico — internet hosting the subsequent males’s World Cup in 2026.
The U.S. may also play England on November 25, and face off in opposition to Iran on November 29, in what is for certain to be a politically charged encounter.
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