French President Emmanuel Macron considered Thursday that "sports should not be politicized" at a time when the debate continues over Qatar's hosting of the FIFA World Cup, days before its start, especially because of the emirate's human rights record.

"I think that sport should not be politicized," said Macron, who is defending his country's world title in Russia in 2018, while speaking to reporters upon his arrival in Bangkok to participate in the summit of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum.

"These issues must be addressed when awarding the right to host the event," he added.

Macron, who had previously announced that he would go to Qatar if France reached the semi-finals, said that "politicizing sports is a very bad idea," recalling that his country will host the Olympic Games in 2024.

With the start of the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, calls have increased in Europe to boycott the football tournament, due to accusations of corruption related to how the wealthy emirate obtained the right to organize the tournament.

Criticism also includes Doha's human rights record in the field of freedoms and the rights of women, members of the LGBT community and migrant workers, down to the traditions of conservative Qatari society, the emirate's hot climate and the air conditioning of stadiums.

Macron arrived in Bangkok late Wednesday looking to relaunch his country's strategic ambitions in the Asia-Pacific region after Australia humiliated France by canceling a major submarine contract in 2021.
Source: AFP