Qatar World Cup 2022: Louis van Gaal comments 'bland', says tournament chief Hassan Al-Thawadi

The secretary general of the 2022 World Cup organising committee has responded to Louis van Gaal's «bland statement» in which the Netherlands boss said it was «ridiculous» having Qatar as hosts.

Van Gaal suggested holding the event in the Middle Eastern country was about «money» and «commercial interests».

But Hassan Al-Thawadi said the Arab world «deserves» the opportunity and will not «make any apologies» for it.

The tournament begins on 21 November with the final on 18 December in Doha.

The World Cup was moved to winter because of extreme heat during the summer and has been dogged by controversy.

Last year, Amnesty International released a report accusing the country of failing to implement its own laws designed to improve conditions for migrant workers.

The Qatar government said it «rejects» Amnesty's assertion.

Equality campaign group Kick It Out announced the formationexternal-link of a working group to look at inclusivity issues in Qatar, where homosexuality is illegal.

Meanwhile, England boss Gareth Southgate said it is «a great shame» that some England fans will not travel to the tournament.

The Netherlands failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, but have booked their place for this year.

Van Gaal's side face Denmark and Germany in friendly matches and he said on Monday:external-link «Now, everybody knows that I find that ridiculous.

»It's ridiculous that we are going to play in a country — how does Fifa say it — to develop the football there, to develop it better there.

«And how are you doing that? By organising a tournament in that country. But it doesn't matter, it's about money, commercial interests.»

Al-Thawadi responded by telling BeIN Sports: «For a person who understands the power of football for many years, it is