The ruler of World Cup hosts Qatar is “proud” of relations with Russia

The ruler of World Cup hosts Qatar has praised Russia’s Vladimir Putin and said he is “proud” of the relationship between their two countries.

Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani flew to Kazakhstan to meet the tyrant just over a month before the start of football’s flagship tournament.

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This came despite Russia being banned from the international sports scene since its invasion of Ukraine in February.

The head of the World Cup organizing committee, Nasser al-Khater, fueled further outrage by warning that the tournament was becoming a “platform of political expression”.

The comment is believed to have been aimed at pledges to wear armbands by stars like England captain Harry Kane, who oppose Qatar’s strict ban on gay relationships.

Sheikh al-Thani told Putin: “After Russia had a great success in organizing the 2018 World Cup, Russian friends gave great support to Qatar.

“We thank you for that and we are proud of this relationship.”

Smiling, Putin replied: “I’m sure it will be a success.”

No one explained how Russia had helped.