Qatar 2022 chief executive tells Gareth Southgate to ‘pick his words carefully’

Qatar 2022 chief executive Nasser Al Khater has urged England boss Gareth Southgate to “pick his words carefully” after voicing concerns over the country’s suitability as World Cup hosts.

Accusations concerning the treatment of migrant workers and a poor record of human rights have plagued the Gulf state since it was controversially awarded the finals in 2010.

Male homosexuality is punishable by a prison sentence, same-sex marriages are not recognised by the government and women’s rights are much tighter than in some other parts of the world.

Southgate previously said it is a “great shame” that sections of England supporters will not travel to Qatar for the World Cup this winter and stressed that no one is “complacent” about the issues involved.

Ahead of their friendlies over the international break, Southgate hosted a meeting with the current England squad, discussing the ongoing challenges in Qatar and opening a dialogue on how England could show their opposition.

He questioned what an England boycott of the World Cup, which kicks off in November, would achieve and admitted whatever action might be taken by his team will be met with criticism from some quarters.

Following England’s win over Ivory Coast at Wembley on Tuesday evening, Southgate has travelled out to Qatar as part of the Football Association’s delegation at the World Cup draw on Friday.

Al Khater was questioned on the opinions of the England boss and hopes to get the opportunity to talk things through face to face during the FIFA congress in Doha.

“My question would be who from the England squad has been to Qatar? My question to the coach is has he been to Qatar?” he said in an interview with Sky Sports News.

“Is he basing his opinions and his public