Qatar World Cup: Unique identity in Taiwan on the 'Haya' card in the face of criticism

Residents of Taiwan are angry when Qatar, the host of the FIFA World Cup, mentions Taiwan as part of China on their website. The foreign spokesman for the Chinese-dominated region expressed gratitude after the organizers later criticized the organizers for identifying Taiwan with the "Haya" card.

Photo: Collected

Sports Desk

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The 22nd edition of The Greatest Show on Earth, the FIFA World Cup, is set to take place in Qatar next November. All those who have bought tickets for the event have to apply for a 'Haya' card. Since this card will go about as a visa for Qatar. Last Tuesday (June 14), Taiwan's name was not on the drop-down list in the nationality section of the website that applied for the card. A Qatari authority said the explanation was that Taiwanese nationals would be viewed as Chinese.

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The following Wednesday, the website listed Taiwan as a Chinese state. The Taiwanese flag is also used there. However, Taiwanese criticized Qatar for referring to the Chinese state. In response, Taiwan's Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Joanne Wu said, Attempts to undermine our country are unacceptable.

He called for a "beautiful World Cup of football" and demanded that no "inconsistent political elements" influence the host country.

Finally, in sympathy with their demands, Qatar posted on the website, referring only to Taiwan, instead of the Chinese state, in the Haya card.

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Responding to the call, he thanked Taiwan for its unique identity and said, "We are grateful for the prompt response of the World Cup organizers to the amendment and the protection of the rights of our country's fans."

Taiwan has been politically oppressed by China for almost seven decades. China refers to the region as a province to the outside world. Official documents and websites have instructed various countries and companies to refer to Taiwan as part of China. Otherwise, China will reject their application.