Qatar World Cup is ´ridiculous´, says Van Gaal

Louis van Gaal has spoken out for the first time against the World Cup in Qatar in his position as Netherlands coach.

The former Ajax and Manchester United manager is known for speaking his mind, and made clear the strength of his feelings about this year’s prestigious competition.

During a news conference on Monday ahead of a friendly against Denmark, the 70-year-old called it “ridiculous” that the tournament will be held in Qatar in November.

“I am a member of a committee with [KNVB Secretary-General] Gijs de Jong. We meet and then I hear what has been agreed with other countries,” he said. “Then I hear what we can do and I give my comments.

“I’m on it every month. I have already mentioned it in previous press conferences. I think it’s ridiculous that the World Cup is there.”

While Van Gaal’s position on the World Cup in Qatar has been publicly known, he has not spoken on it since taking over as the Dutch national team coach last August.

“We are playing in a country that FIFA says they want to develop football there,” he added. “That’s bulls..t, but it doesn’t matter. It’s about money, about commercial interests. That matters in FIFA.

“Why do you think I’m not on a committee at FIFA or UEFA with my expertise? Because I have always opposed these kinds of organisations. I can say that in Qatar later but that won’t help the world get rid of this problem.”

The Oranje face Denmark in Amsterdam on Saturday, before also hosting Germany on Tuesday.