The Emir of Qatar has said there has been an “unprecedented campaign” against Qatar since it was announced that the country would be allowed to host this year’s World Cup. It’s not just about criticism, but also about forgeries, says the head of state of the emirate.

Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani says all of this in a televised speech on Tuesday. The tournament starts in less than a month but criticism of Qatar’s standards has not abated a bit. For example, this week there was criticism of the treatment of LGBT people in the oil state. According to human rights organizations, they were arrested without charge and ill-treated.

The main points of criticism are the conditions under which guest workers have to work. Investigative journalists and human rights organizations estimate that since the World Cup was awarded 12 years ago, thousands have died in appalling conditions during construction work.

“Outdated Criticism”

With the World Cup approaching, haggling over workers’ compensation is still going on. There is also criticism of the award of the World Cup to Qatar, there would be bribery. In addition, environmental associations have criticized the use of air conditioning in stadiums, among other things.

It is not clear which “fabrications” the Qatari leader means. He may be referring to allegations of arrests of LGBT people. The Qatari government denies this is happening.

Human Rights Watch’s investigation contained “information that is categorically and clearly inaccurate” without going into detail, a spokesman said.

The criticism of the working conditions of guest workers is also outdated, says the emir. Much has already been done to improve their situation, he says. Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani stressed that his country acted in good faith.