Macron Says World Cup in Qatar 'Should Not Be Politicized'

Thailand's Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, right, walks hand in hand with French President Emmanuel Macron before their meeting at the Government House, Thursday, Nov. 17, 2022, in Bangkok, Thailand. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit, Pool)

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By Associated Press

November 17, 2022 at 10:06 AM UTC

Paris (AP) -- French President Emmanuel Macron said Thursday that “sports should not be politicized,” days after it was announced — to criticism — that he would attend the World Cup in Qatar if France reaches the semifinals.

Speaking in Bangkok, Macron said issues about Qatar’s human rights record and the environment were “questions you have to ask yourself when you award the event.”