Stephen Kenny defends decision to travel to Qatar for World Cup

Stephen Kenny has defended his decision to travel to Qatar for the upcoming FIFA World Cup.

The Ireland manager will travel to the Gulf State on a fact-finding mission to watch Euro 2024 qualifying group opponents France and the Netherlands.

Ireland were drawn in a very tough group alongside the European superpowers and with only two teams qualifying from each group, Kenny's side are considered underdogs to finish ahead of either of the top seeds.

However, the manager still maintains that it his intention to upset those particular odds and feels that he will benefit greatly from watching his side’s opponents playing at their absolute peak at the World Cup.

There has been constant criticism of Qatar’s suitability to stage the blue riband event of world football with the country’s human rights constantly called into question, while there's been serious allegations in relation to the treatment of migrant workers since they were named as the host nation.

However, the Ireland boss does not believe that he is a position to act as an influencer in such matters and feels that he is obliged to do his job to the best of his ability, which means travelling to watch the games in the live environment.

"It’s a valid question. I think it’s something we have to consider," said Kenny, when asked whether he felt conflicted about going to Qatar, considering previous comments on social issues when manager at Dundalk.

"[It was a] surprise when two World Cup were handed out to Russia and Qatar together… the decision around that. What (the) criteria was based on giving World Cup to Qatar at that time was questionable. No doubt about that.

"What do boycotts achieve going back to the Olympics in Russia and America. By me going am I going to influence