Ever since it won the right to host the 2022 World Cup, Qatar has been a controversial choice.
The Persian Gulf country’s scorching climate made it impossible to hold the competition during the usual summer slot, so it was switched to November and December -- just when national leagues are in full swing. Deprived of their star players, domestic competitions will have to shut down for up to six weeks.
Investigations continue into how Qatar, a tiny nation of 3 million people with no soccer pedigree, managed to win a secret vote to become host.
Human-rights groups have decried the treatment of foreign workers building the stadiums and accommodation for visiting fans. The government says the event is a catalyst for improving its labor laws.
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