Russia's "cooperation" in the World Cup of Football is praised by the Emir of Qatar.

In a telephone conversation with President Vladimir Putin on Friday, the Emir of Qatar complimented Russia's "cooperation" in supporting World Cup preparations, according to an official statement.
Despite the fact that Russia was banned from international football this year due to its attack on Ukraine and Qatar has criticized Russia's annexation of Ukrainian territories, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani spoke with 2018 World Cup organizer Vladimir Putin two days prior to the tournament's start.
Russia has reportedly been largely excluded from planning since February, according to diplomats. During the World Cup last year, Russia took part in a global security drill. Putin congratulated Qatar on hosting the World Cup, the Emir's administration stated in a statement.
The Emir expressed gratitude to Putin for his message and praised Russia's assistance in planning this international event, it was stated.