Regan offers SFA support to Qatar

Stewart Regan has offered the support of the SFA to the Qatar FA!

While major sponsors such as Sony and Adidas turn up the pressure of FIFA due to corruption allegations in the Sunday Times the Hampden power-brokers are backing the hosts of the 2022 World Cup Finals.

As well as the corruption allegations, concerns have been raised about the death rate of immigrant workers involved in building work in Qatar as well as the disruption to the football calendar of a winter competition plus the practicalities of playing football in temperatures of plus 40 degrees.

Showing the same lack of awareness that he has used in virtually every issue since replacing Gordon Smith, Regan has offered his backing to the Qatar authorities.

Responding to a report in yesterday’s Daily Record Regan said: “If Mr Murphy had made contact I could have told him that I have had discussions with Shona Robison, Cabinet Secretary for the Commonwealth Games, Sport, Equalities and Pensioners’ Rights, and this culminated in a letter to the Qatar authorities offering practical support in areas like major event management, given Scotland’s expertise in this area. 

“The Qatar FA have already issued a statement acknowledging they have challenges in improving the conditions for workers in the country. They are facing a number of cultural issues, but they are trying to address them, which is why we offer practical support, not public soundbites.

“With respect to the allegations of corruption relating to the FIFA World Cup 2022 bid process we have made our feelings known on this matter – if any wrongdoing in the awarding of the World Cup to Qatar is proven then there must be a re-draw. 

“However, it is important to consider all the evidence and the results of FIFA’s own review by their Ethics Committee before this matter can be concluded. I would hope more information will be made available this week at which point we might be in a better place to make more informed comments.”

There are no cultural issues involved in the daily deaths of immigrant workers.

Regan and president Ogilvie will be enjoying the FIFA gravy train in Brazil over the next month.

Hopefully some minor county cricket club will require a chief executive long before the 2022 World Cup kicks off.