Emir of Qatar: All Welcome without Discrimination at World Cup 2022

Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani addresses the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2022 at UN headquarters. (AP)
Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani addresses the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2022 at UN headquarters. (AP)
TT

Emir of Qatar: All Welcome without Discrimination at World Cup 2022

Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani addresses the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2022 at UN headquarters. (AP)
Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani addresses the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2022 at UN headquarters. (AP)

Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani stressed on Tuesday that his country will welcome the world and open its doors without discrimination during the FIFA World Cup 2022, which kicks off on November 20.

Speaking before the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Sheikh Tamim said Qatar is on the threshold of hosting the world's teams and their fans.

It is opening doors for all of them “without discrimination to enjoy the football matches and the amazing atmosphere of the tournament, in addition to witnessing the economic and cultural renaissance in my country,” he added.

He pointed out that Qatar took on the challenge of hosting the landmark event 12 years ago, which required absolute resolve, determination, planning, and hard work.

Sheikh Tamim explained that the Qatari people will receive with “open arms football fans from all walks of life,” adding that no matter how diverse the nationalities, religions, and ideas are, “our duty is to overcome obstacles, extend a hand of friendship, build bridges of understanding and celebrate our common humanity.”

He concluded his address to the General Assembly: “On behalf of my people and my behalf, I invite you all to come to Qatar and enjoy this unique tournament. You are all welcome.”



Ronaldo Puts Al-Nassr on Brink of Asian CL Playoffs while Toney Advances Al-Ahli

Soccer Football - Asian Champions League - Group B - Al Gharafa v Al Nassr - Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor, Qatar - November 25, 2024 Al Nassr's Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates scoring their first goal REUTERS/Ibraheem Al Omari
Soccer Football - Asian Champions League - Group B - Al Gharafa v Al Nassr - Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor, Qatar - November 25, 2024 Al Nassr's Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates scoring their first goal REUTERS/Ibraheem Al Omari
TT

Ronaldo Puts Al-Nassr on Brink of Asian CL Playoffs while Toney Advances Al-Ahli

Soccer Football - Asian Champions League - Group B - Al Gharafa v Al Nassr - Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor, Qatar - November 25, 2024 Al Nassr's Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates scoring their first goal REUTERS/Ibraheem Al Omari
Soccer Football - Asian Champions League - Group B - Al Gharafa v Al Nassr - Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor, Qatar - November 25, 2024 Al Nassr's Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates scoring their first goal REUTERS/Ibraheem Al Omari

Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice as Al-Nassr of Saudi Arabia defeated Al-Gharafa of Qatar 3-1 in the AFC Champions League Elite group stage on Monday.
Al-Nassr is virtually assured of a place in the knockout stages, The Associated Press reported.
Ronaldo had two early shots well saved by goalkeeper Sergio Ricom, and half an hour in he placed the ball on the penalty spot. Sadio Mane went down in the area under a challenge from Matias Nani and the referee awarded a penalty. But the VAR overturned the decision.
Ronaldo then missed the best opportunity of the first 45 minutes, heading a free kick just wide from close range.
He made amends in the new half, heading home powerfully from an Angelo cross. Angelo then went around the goalkeeper for 2-0 in the 58th.
Ronaldo sealed the victory six minutes later, shooting home from inside the area.
Former Real Madrid striker Joselu pulled a goal back for Al-Gharafa.
Earlier, Ivan Toney scored twice as Al-Ahli of Saudi Arabia won at defending champion Al-Ain of the United Arab Emirates 2-1 to become the first team to book a place in the knockout stages with three group games to spare.
The England striker, who arrived in Jeddah from English Premier League team Brentford in August, came off the bench in the second half and scored twice in four minutes.
Both came from Riyad Mahrez crosses; Toney headed home the first and stretched to guide in the second.
“Coach (Matthias) Jaissle told me to come on and make a difference,” Toney said. “It was challenging because I've missed many games, but I stepped in and delivered a good performance.”
It was a fifth win in five by Al-Ahli, which moved into first place in its 12-team group. The tournament is divided into two groups, with the top eight from each progressing to a round of 16.