Qatar denies report it colluded with Iran to stifle dissent at World Cup
Qatar has reportedly been cooperating with Iran on an effort to control which media outlets cover the World Cup in a bid to ensure the event is beneficial to the Iranian regime, an accusation the host nation denies.
An audio tape obtained by Iran International reportedly contains discussions between a Revolutionary Guard general and a group of media managers affiliated with the Revolutionary Guard discussing how to ensure the world's largest sporting event paints Tehran in a positive light, the outlet reported Sunday.
But Ali Al Ansari, Qatar’s media attaché in the United States, told Fox News Digital that "the information in the recording is not true."
"Qatari authorities have coordinated with authorities of all 32 countries on the safety and security of the national teams," Ansari said. "There is no coordination between Qatari and Iranian security on entry restrictions to matches for World Cup ticket holders. All security personnel in the stadiums report to the State of Qatar."
The recording, which Iran International reported was from Nov. 15, features Gen. Ghasem Ghoreyshi, who tells the group that "anti-revolutionaries" have purchased "5,330 tickets" to the World Cup, adding that "our boys have checked the list of the ticket holders and at least 500 people" who have purchased tickets are known opponents of the regime.
Ghoresyshi appears to be referring to authorities in Qatar, who reportedly shared a list of Iranian ticket purchase with the IRGC. However, Ghoresyshi also expressed disappointment in Qatari authorities when asked if rumors that tickets had been canceled are true, saying that the country has not fully followed through on that promise.
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"Qatar has two different conducts with us – one is a positive response, and it has promised to do that [cancel tickets], but usually they don’t fully deliver," he said in the recording. "They told us give us the names [of unwanted people], and we will solve the issue."
Ghoresyshi also expressed frustration that Qatar had yet to ban Iran International from covering the World Cup, though another person attending the meeting interrupts the general to report that the outlet had announced they had been banned by Qatar from covering the event. Ghoreyshi expressed surprise at the development, saying Iran had discussed the issue with Qatar "the day before".
Iran International, which has often reported on news unflattering to Iranian regime, announced earlier this month that its reporters and TV crew had been banned from the World Cup.
Later in the recording, Ghoreshyi boasts that Qatar had agreed to control spectators at the stadium, banning flags other than the official flag of the Islamic Republic from entering stadiums.
Qatar reportedly came through on that promise during Iran's second World Cup game against Wales, with stadium security stopping people with flags, such as Iran’s ancient flag featuring a lion and sun emblem, or a simple three-color flag. Some of those spectators with unapproved flags were even reportedly detained by Qatari police.
But Ansari argued Qatar has increased security for Iran's matches and banned some items it believed could "increase tensions."
"For the safety of all attendees at the World Cup, the State of Qatar has ensured that enhanced security measures are in place during matches involving Iran’s football team," Ansari said. "Before every match, a risk assessment is conducted, and security resources are deployed to each stadium accordingly. As in all World Cup tournaments, items that could increase tensions and risk the safety of fans are not permitted."
Ansari said there were "notable incidents during Iran’s first match versus England," but noted "security teams were called in to break up a small number of altercations outside the stadium between Iranian fans" after the country's second match.
"These incidents were dealt with swiftly and with appropriate force to de-escalate tensions and ensure the safety of all fans attending the match," Ansari said. "Officials will continue to ensure that every match at the Qatar World Cup is safe and welcoming for all spectators."
The report comes amid protests that have rocked the Iranian regime in recent months, with the country's authorities fearing the protests could spill into the World Cup, where anti-regime spectators could display signs or engage in behavior that would be broadcasted to fans back home.
Ghoreshyi admitted in the recording that Iran was paying the expenses of pro-regime fans to Qatar to attend the games and show support for the regime.
Despite the efforts, some spectators attending Iran's games have been heard singing anti-regime chants and booing during the Islamic Republic's anthem.
Editors note: A previous version of this story did not include a statement from Qatar.
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