UPDATED: Picture of Israeli flag in Qatar goes viral on Twitter

Simply put. If Qatar wants to host international events, then it must allow everyone to participate. This it has done.

Jessie M says it all! Sports breaks all barriers. Nelson Mandela will be a very good model to follow in this case.

@Rider 301: This is the world cup, they obligate to international rules, Lets take anpther example, like cuba will be the next host but and they will not put the american flag, what you will say then?

@sharkbite. Did the situation change between India & Pakistan by playing cricket for last 50 years?? No. It didn't and it will never bcoz thats how its meant to be. The same is with israel. By allowing them it will not bring peace between Arab countries and Israel.

@sharkbite. Did the situation change between India & Pakistan by playing cricket for last 50 years?? No. It didn't and it will never bcoz thats how its meant to be. The same is with israel. By allowing them it will not bring peace between Arab countries and Israel.

There seems to be two flags missing in the second photo. Is it the Austrian flag that's also missing?

Their country their rules..I am not surprised at the opposition however I agree with all those who say that any country hosting prestigious international sporting invents are bounded to abide by the terms and conditions and treat all teams fairly regardless of their political differences.

Big whoop. Who cares? Why do people dwell on the dumbest things? If we keep on pointing out small and stupid things we will never get anywhere in the world.

You should this about israel, The Truth Is Out There

funny how some sexist guys welcomes a lady.

@SaraAlDisi, South Africa was banned from attending the Tokyo Olympics based on the decision of the International Olympic Committee, not by Japan the host country (so not based on Japan's political or cultural affiliations).

Thanks MM, because I think Forum section on QL is to express your own view and you can say what you believe... and not to criticize anyone's opinion. And for this topic I said not to mix sports with politics so that people can play peacefully and amicably . Please note that all countries have the right and duties as all the other country.

Pakistan and India play sport against each other, even while they have nuclear weapons pointed at each other. Why? Because sport can be used to bring people together. If an Arabic swimmer and an Israeli swimmer sit and talk together after a hard fought race, if they get to know each other and build respect for each other, then the world will be one step closer to becoming a better place.

Hatred and a refusal to engage will not change anything.

Qatar has openly stated that Israel will be welcome to participate in 2022 if they qualify.

If you have an issue with this decision made by the ruling family, you are probably living in the wrong country.

This event is the swimming 'World Cup', not the 'Only people we approve of Cup'.

@dohabunny you may want to look at the South African boycott experiment to see how host countries (represented in international sports organization s) HAVE banned that apartheid state. Even before the UN acknowledged the boycott. It is not impossible nor unheard of. Israel is just another apartheid state that should be treated the same way.

As I mentioned, being international does not justify it. Qatar could have taken a bold decision to refuse hosting and gained the respect of many.

Greetings to Jessie, I noticed from somebody's comment that you'r new on QL. ........ !

Your views are very fair.

@SaraALDisi, if any government wishes to mix sports with politics and boycott any world championships, they are free to do so. But I have not heard of any host country of world championships ban other countries from participating. If Qatar had declared such a thing based on their own political or cultural affiliations (ie not a UN sanctioned initiative), they would not be awarded any rights to host world championships such as the soccer world cup 2022.

Anyone saying do not mix sport with politics please check the photos below (in Arabic and English)

https://twitter.com/QAYON/status/392209660842749952

https://twitter.com/QAYON/status/392208696463196160

Also, check the QAYON account for their letter to QOC, so you could understand why boycotting such events is important.

This is not even politics, if you are a human you should understand what the Boycott, Divestment and Sanction (BDS) campaign is all about,

So, regarding 2022, we hope that the cultural boycott would have already made its positive effect on WORLD sports. Boycott is not for Arabs only, saying that this is an "international" affair doesn't make it better and doesn't justify it either.

Thanks RR for kind welcome.

Thanks RR for kind welcome.

Jessie, Welcome on QL.

What if Israel qualifies for 2022 WC even though its least probable as they have qualified only once till date?? Will anybody cry like this??

I am not against to the opinion of others, however you treated them unfairly. Do not mix politics and sports. I believed Qatar Sports Committee knows what they are doing. Maybe they want to bring Camaraderie to all the countries. It's only an opinion!!!

Don't forget Israel is one of the few countries in the Middle East which Arabs lives peacefully.

We respect the decision made by Qatar Sport Committee to include the Israel. It is a brave act to promote peace, harmony and prosperity in the Middle East. I salute the leadership of Qatar government.

NO COMMENTS..

We are not against Jews, but against Israel because its not a country but its the sign of colonization on the Muslim Palestinian land. So anything from Israel as a country should be banned every where...

So if the US supports Israel , why in the hell is the biggest US military base outside of the US here ? that seems hypo to me

This is a land of us & we support to Palatine brothers. This flag must be removed, Its disgrace

disgrace

they should not be allowed to participate in any games and entry in the countries until its issues with palestinians are solved in the peaceful manner

as mentioned in the article, it is not the first time. in 2010, sahar peer from israel played in the QATAR exxon mobile in january. to host international sport events you have to accept ALL nationalities, or do not host these events.

Let not drag the spirit of sports into a political point of view.

Majority of who will comment here is probably foreigners from Arab worlds. Can we just respect the decision of Qatar Sport Committee to have them here to participate on this event? Give them some time to explain their side. I think they have a good reason to invite them up here.

you are less than scum for defending them. their regime is no better than Bashar's, but you are nothing but scum to speak so freely or carelessly and acting so cool about having your enemies, your KILLERS flag on a country that is supposedly supporting the Palestinian case. Who needs to broaden their sight? or how they think? book a ticket to tel aviv and lets see how they will welcome your hypo a$$.

ايه ووين المشكلة !! احسن من علم عصابة بشار الدول العالم كلها حاطته عبترفرف و لا اش رايك ؟؟؟ بتعرفي انو اسرائيل ما اقتلت من المسلمين شيء مقارنة بعصابة سوريا و موالينها من باقي الدول العربية و العلمانيين المتطرفين وووو .... وسعي مخك و شلولي هالرسن بقى قرفنا