“Ridiculous explanations.” This is how KNVB Secretary General Gijs de Jong quotes Khalid Salman, one of the World Cup ambassadors in Qatar, who earlier this week described homosexuality as a form of brain damage. This is what De Jong said on the morning show Jan Willem Launch Operation From NPO Radio 2.
After a trailer for Salman in a documentary by German broadcaster ZDF, the morning show decided that the radio show (except newscasts) would no longer be interested in the World Cup in Qatar.
The hosts of this show, Jan-Willem Roodbeen and de Vegte’s Jeroen Kijk, have made it clear that they think it would be better to make a statement in the Netherlands than in Qatar. “Then maybe you can keep your back straight for KNVB.” The KNVB later announced that it wanted to cover the issue on its morning show.
“I totally agree with you”
“In general, I want to start by saying that we totally agree with you,” De Jong said on the air Thursday morning. Said. “My sister is a lesbian. I can assure you this has nothing to do with mental illness. These are nonsense statements.”
“We’ve always said: KNVB was never in Qatar for the World Cup,” De Jong said. “But at the same time: We want to be world champions and make a difference off the court.
“There are not only those in Qatar who think so. There are also people who think differently and are progressive. And if we go there, I think we’re going to support those people.”
“Not naive”
As general secretary of the KNVB, De Jong is responsible for liaison with FIFA, UEFA and other national football associations. And with it the Dutch Football Association’s position in international football.
“I totally agree with you that this is a different World Cup than usual,” de Jong told Roodbeen. “Even if we are world champions, there is always one thing in the back of your mind: Why is this happening here now?”
“On the other hand, you’ve also seen that because the World Cup is here, there’s a lot of interest in working conditions, freedom of the press, gender equality and addressing homosexuality. This will contribute much more.”
Isn’t that a little too naive to think about? “We also rely heavily on the advice we receive from Amnesty International and FNV. Then you saw that the working conditions really changed. So I don’t think it’s naive.”
Throughout the tournament, we will continue to communicate on human rights, freedom of the press, working conditions and homosexuality.”
King next to Emir: “Very unwise”
Roodbeen told De Jong this morning: “You shouldn’t think that our king will open champagne with the Emir anytime soon.” A picture shared by the KNVB Secretary General. “I totally agree, that wouldn’t be very wise.”
“The other side is this: I’ve been there about fourteen times in the last four years and talked to a lot of people. I’ve also met many young, progressive people with children who want the best for their children and want to live as we do. So let’s not lose sight of that.”
“It is important to me that we continue the dialogue. We can’t do that by staying away.”
Dutch Ambassador to Qatar Marjan Kamstra was a guest sound producer NPO broadcasts and supports on Radio 1: “As an ambassador, I see very motivated young women. I argue with them and go to universities to talk to them. I see many young women advocating change in society.”
Ambassador Doha: “Stay in dialogue”
What did he think when he heard Salman’s statements? “The moment I see these kinds of conversations, it’s good for me to get the facts straight. 67 percent of Qatari university graduates are women, and 50 percent of women work in Qatar. Qatar has taken steps to improve the situation of women and girls.”
Kamstra does not say on behalf of the Dutch government whether it matters who travels to Qatar. What is certain is that a government official will leave. Kamstra: “It is important to me that we continue the dialogue. We can’t do that by staying away.”
“We are also looking at what like-minded countries are doing,” the ambassador says. For example, the Belgian king or minister will only travel if the Red Devils reach the semi-finals. According to British media, Crown Prince William does not plan to fly to Qatar unless the country reaches the final. It is not yet known whether British Prime Minister Sunak will leave.
One day the Dutch cabinet will announce on behalf of the Dutch government who will go to Qatar for the World Cup.
Source: NOS
Jason Jack is an experienced technology journalist and author at The Nation View. With a background in computer science and engineering, he has a deep understanding of the latest technology trends and developments. He writes about a wide range of technology topics, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, software development, and cybersecurity.
