“Basically, I think it is essential that in the future, when awarding the World Cup, watertight criteria are set that are then adhered to. The selection process must be transparent,” said the 38-year-old in an interview with the editorial network Germany.
When asked whether the decision for Qatar should have been made, Lahm replied: “No, it shouldn’t have been. If you look at FIFA’s evaluation report, it was advised against, among other things because of the human rights situation, sustainability. That makes you wonder, of course , why they voted for Qatar anyway. I find that funny.”
The former captain of the national team and the German record champions FC Bayern Munich does not believe in a boycott of the World Cup from November 21 to December 18. “I think it’s absolutely right that we’re competing,” said Lahm, tournament director of the European Championships in Germany in two years’ time.
Between criticism and euphoria
DFB director Oliver Bierhoff wants to continue the critical discourse about the World Cup host and hopes for close cooperation with representatives from politics. “Perhaps German football and German politics can also work hand in hand on this important issue by using the attention of a soccer World Cup to further advance processes in Qatar,” said the DFB director responsible for the national teams in an interview the “Frankfurter Rundschau”.
For him and head coach Hansi Flick, the coming months will also be about developing a positive mood in the team for the tournament in late autumn, despite the justified criticism of the human rights conditions in the emirate. “We have to be careful not to close our eyes to the important and necessary political debates, but at the same time to arouse an inner euphoria that comes from within the team,” said the 53-year-old.
Source: Nachrichten
