May 23 – The Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani has said that gay fans will be welcome at the 2022 World Cup, but demanded that visitors “respect our culture”.
By Andrew Warshaw
May 19 – Amnesty International, Football Supporters Europe and eight other human rights and fan groups have collectively urged FIFA to put up a minimum $440 million – roughly the equivalent of World Cup prize money – as a compensation fund for hundreds of thousands of migrant workers they claim have suffered abuses in preparation for the tournament in November.
May 13 – A media investigation has revealed that a number of FIFA-recommended hotels in Qatar have refused to accept LGBTQ+ guests despite previous claims that those of all gender persuasions would be welcomed for the World Cup.
May 6 – Chile have filed a claim with FIFA, questioning Ecuador’s World Cup spot over the eligibility of player Byron Castillo, alleging he used a false passport and birth date to represent the country.
May 6 – World governing body FIFA has received 3 million ticket requests for the World Cup final in Qatar and high demand to attend some of the tournament’s marquee group-stage games.
May 5 – FIFA has selected Qatar’s Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium as the venue for the intercontinental play-off matches that will decide the final two places for the 2022 World Cup finals in the country later this year.
May 3 – FIFA has said that fans from around at the world requested 23.5 million tickets in the latest sales phase for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
April 19 – Despite the devastating invasion by Russia, Ukraine is not letting the war crush its hopes of reaching World Cup finals and has agreed to play its postponed playoff with Scotland on June 1.
By Samindra Kunti
April 8 – A new report from Amnesty International has revealed that security guards involved in projects linked to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar are being subject to conditions that “amount to forced labour” with the human rights group urging FIFA to act.
April 4 – Fans at the World Cup in Qatar may have rainbow flags confiscated by security in order to “protect” them against perceptions they are “insulting” local society, a senior official has claimed.
By Samindra Kunti in Doha
April 3 – World Cup hosts Qatar were handed a tough draw in Group A alongside the Netherlands, Ecuador and Senegal. Group B will be home to geo-political intrigue, with all of England, Iran and the United States paired and former champions Spain and Germany will meet in Group E in a draw that proved to be balanced but without a group of death.
March 31 – Lightening almost struck twice. The US were knocked out of World Cup qualifying for Russia 2018 after losing to a better organised and prepared Trinidad and Tobago. Last night they hung on to their automatic 2022 qualification place on goal difference.
March 31 – While FIFA president Gianni Infantino was banging the drum for world peace, respect, and the power of football to help unify in times of conflict, news from Iran broke of women being pepper sprayed by Iranian authorities as they turned up for Iran’s final World Cup qualifier.
March 31 – You know the tournament is getting closer when it is time to launch the official ball. FIFA sponsor Adidas has unveiled the new ball for Qatar 2022, named Al Rihla.
March 30 – Senegal, Cameroon, Ghana, Morocco and Tunisia all booked their places at the World Cup finals Tuesday on a frantic night of final African play-off action.