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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, will likely be in Al-Rayyan for the U.S. vs. Wales match on November 21, on day two of probably 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 document 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 postpone attending. Qatar has emerged as a key strategic ally for the West on power safety, as Russia’s struggle on Ukraine wreaks havoc on Europe’s fuel provide.
On the identical day because the U.S. takes on Wales, Blinken may even maintain talks with Qatari leaders as a part of an ongoing strategic dialogue with the Center Jap nation, a former U.S. official instructed POLITICO.
U.Ok. International Secretary James Cleverly introduced Monday that he additionally can be attending the match. He instructed 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 just isn’t anticipated to attend any of the occasions, despite the fact that the U.S. is — together with Canada and Mexico — internet hosting the following males’s World Cup in 2026.
The U.S. may even play England on November 25, and face off in opposition to Iran on November 29, in what is definite to be a politically charged encounter.
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