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."
"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!"@GNev2 has his say on the @FIFAWorldCup in Qatar. #FIFAWorldCup #qatar2022 #beINWC pic.twitter.com/dXHqVMHC1yNovember 20, 2022
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.
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