International players float message of peace in Doha
DOHA: In a telling message for world peace, football players
of Uzbekistan and Kyrgyztan posed behind a banner urging
regional leaders keep politics out of sport.
The two teams were photographed with the special banner
before their match at the International Football Tournament
for U-23 teams.
The rare gesture from two visiting teams was witnessed at
one of the football pitches at Aspire Academy where the event
is being held.
The banner read”KEEP POLITICS AWAY FROM FOOTBALL”.
The sporting gesture came as the Gulf crisis lingers on the
region.
The tournament has been organised by Qatar Football
Federation (QFA) so So Anabi prepares for this month’s
Asian Cup qualifiers.
World body FIFA has explicitly banned political interference
from football.
A number of top football names like Xavi, Dr Boer brothers
and Iker Casillas have urged the protesting countries to end
their siege against Qatar.
The blockade against Qatar has lasted more than a month.