Gary Neville has paid respects to those who have died as a direct consequence of the World Cup - challenging governing bodies to scrutinise the way the tournament has been organised.
Neville has spoken out frequently on the tragic circumstances that have seen over 6,500 migrant workers lose their lives as a result of building new stadiums for Qatar 2022 - only adding fuel to the fire of the multiple controversies that have surrounded a tournament that has been looked upon with much negativity. With this World Cup being the first ever to be held in the Arab world, the former Manchester United star has welcomed the idea of a global competition which has seen editions in Africa and Far East Asia for the first time this century.
But with the tournament opener nigh, Neville went live on air to challenge the actions of those in power. Speaking on beIN Sports ahead of the tournament opener with the hosts facing Ecuador on Sunday evening, Neville aired his thoughts on the current controversies.
He said: "Depending what part of the world you're in! In England you aren't quite going to think the same over here as you do in Qatar. I think that's the reality of it the workers who built these stadiums do need thanking and honouring in the right way - but the football is here. it's the greatest sports tournament in the world.
"There should be a World Cup in an Arab country, there should be a World Cup in a Muslim country, there should be a World Cup in the Middle East that is a fact! But we also need to challenge and scrutinise the things that go on in every country including ours and Qatar."
READ NEXT
