Qatar cooperates with Morocco on World Cup security

Qatar will cooperate with Morocco to boost security at the much-awaited events of World Cup 2022, reported Bein Sport on Sunday.

Under a joint agreement, the two countries would ensure the safety and security of World Cup spectators, with at least 1.5 million fans expected to head to Qatar for the event.

In May, Abdellatif Hammouchi, the head of Morocco's General Directorate for National Security and Territorial Surveillance (DGSN-DGST), held several meetings with Qatari officials to boost security cooperation between the two states.

A Moroccan team of cybersecurity agents have reportedly helped tighten security at the Lusail Iconic Stadium, where the World Cup’s final match will take place.

Qatar has also asked several other countries for security assistance ahead of the international event. 

France, the UK, and South Korea all also agreed to assist the country with training, personnel, and material, according to Qatar’s Doha News.

Turkey announced earlier this year that it would send some of its forces to assist in the World Cup.

On November 20, thirty-two countries will compete at the World Cup events, including the host country, Morocco, Egypt, Tunisia and Saudi Arabia.

Since FIFA awarded the 2022 World Cup to the Gulf state in 2010, Qatar has spent around US$ 200 billion on the upcoming World Cup, the first World Cup in the Middle East, and the first taking place in winter due to the country's extreme heat.

However, many controversies have surrounded the Gulf state's preparation of the sports events, namely due to the labour abuse of the foreign worker population.

Rights Groups such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have reported extensive evidence of labour abuses associated with World Cup construction in Qatar, including forced labour and cramped living conditions. 

Organisers of the event acknowledged worker abuses took place, however, they blamed the "unacceptable" exploitation on three companies contracted for the event.