Louis van Gaal has called the decision to host this year's World Cup in Qatar "ridiculous" and "bull****" as FIFA continues to face criticism.
The Netherlands boss will lead his team into this winter's tournament as the Dutch look to win the World Cup for the first time in their history. Attention though has very much been on the decision to hand the Middle East nation the right to host the global event. Qatar were named as hosts back in 2010 but have come under heavy scrutiny ever since.
The country's human rights issues are well-documented whilst the conditions of migrant workers constructing the stadiums have come under the spotlight as they build the infrastructure to host the tournament. Qatar's climate has also forced FIFA to move the tournament from its usual summer spot, upsetting the footballing calendar.
FIFA have spoken about their desire to make the game more global, reaching more countries and new fanbases. Van Gaal though doesn't see that as their true motivation, citing the huge financial rewards on offer as the main reason for holding the tournament in Asia. "I have already mentioned it in previous press conferences. I think it's ridiculous that the World Cup is there," he told reporters on Monday.
“We are playing in a country that FIFA says they want to develop football there. That's bull****, but it doesn't matter. It's about money, about commercial interests. That matters in FIFA. Why do you think I'm not on any committee at FIFA or UEFA with my expertise? Because I have always opposed these kinds of organisations. I can say that in Qatar later, but that won't help the world get rid of this problem."
Van Gaal led the Dutch side to the last four in 2014 before they were beaten by Argentina on penalties. The Netherlands then failed to make the last World Cup in Russia. The former Manchester United boss is not the only man to take issue with the the tournament being in Qatar. Real Madrid and Germany midfielder Toni Kroos claimed handing the country the World Cup was "wrong".
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He claimed: "I think it's wrong that this tournament was given [to Qatar]. Immigrant workers are subjected to days without rest with the temperature under a torrid 50 degrees, they suffer from insufficient nutrition, without drinking water and at crazy temperatures. All of these points are absolutely unacceptable."
He went on to say: "Would a boycott serve to improve working conditions? I think not. Football always arouses extreme attention. Be it before the tournament or during it.” The World Cup is due to get under way on November 21 and will run until December 18.
FIFA has said it will be holding discussions Amnesty International (AI) in Zurich on Monday with the organisation hugely critical of their decision to head to Qatar as the two parties look to “discuss the situation of migrant workers in Qatar in connection with the World Cup Qatar 2022”.
