The General Secretary of the Gulf Cooperation Council, Abdul Latif bin Rashid Al Zayani has slammed critics of Qatar hosting of the World Cup 2022.

He said in a statement that those criticizing Qatar were agents of retrogression.

He highlighted the supportive stance of Gulf countries to Qatar against doubters, haters and those who try to underestimate its right to host the historic international sport event. He said that Qatar has won after honest competition and hosting the event in Qatar will be a pride for all GCC countries.

“It is the right for south west Asian and Arab countries,” he asserted.

Qatar won to host the World Cup in a voting that took place in December 2010 at the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) headquarters. This will make Qatar the first Arab country to host the international support. There are allegations that Qatar paid bribes to win the voting.