World Cup 2022: Gary Neville says the World Cup "should" be held in the Middle East

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Gary Neville has previously criticised the politics of World Cup 2022 – now he's said that he believes the tournament should be held in an Arab country

World Cup 2022: Gary Neville says the World Cup "should" be held in the Middle East: Former England football player Gary Neville attends a panel on the future of English football on day two of the Labour Party Conference at the ACC on September 26, 2022 in Liverpool, England The Labour Party hold their annual conference in Liverpool this year. Issues on the agenda are the cost of living crisis, including a call for a reinforced windfall tax, proportional representation and action on the climate crisis.
(Image credit: Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)

Gary Neville has said that he believes a World Cup should be held in the Middle East during his punditry on beIN Sports. 

Neville previously stated on BBC's Have I Got News For You that he was going to be "highlighting the issues" with Qatar holding the tournament, despite being employed the gulf state's broadcaster as a commentator and pundit.

"You’ve got a choice, haven’t you?" Neville previously said. "My view always has been that you either highlight the issues and challenges in these countries and speak about them, or you basically don’t say anything and stay back home and don’t go. And I think we should challenge them."

On beIN's coverage of the opening ceremony, however, Neville appeared to backtrack in his opposition of the tournament, stating that the World cup "should" be held in the Middle East. 

"The workers who built these stadiums do need thanking," Neville said. "But football is here, it's the greatest sports tournament in the world.

"There should be a World Cup in an Arab country, there should be a World Cup in a Muslim country, there should be a World Cup in the Middle East that is a fact!"

Neville is also part of ITV's coverage for the tournament. 

Mark White
Mark White
Content Editor

Mark White has been at on FourFourTwo since joining in January 2020, first as a staff writer before becoming content editor in 2023. An encyclopedia of football shirts and boots knowledge – both past and present – Mark has also represented FFT at both FA Cup and League Cup finals (though didn't receive a winners' medal on either occasion) and has written pieces for the mag ranging on subjects from Bobby Robson's season at Barcelona to Robinho's career. He has written cover features for the mag on Mikel Arteta and Martin Odegaard, and is assisted by his cat, Rosie, who has interned for the brand since lockdown.

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