Qatar begins preparations to re-install the statue of French footballer Zidane. The statue was removed in 2013 following objections from the religious community. The protesters said that the installation of this human-shaped statue encourages idolatry. It should be noted that in Arab countries it is not customary to place statues in public places.
Qatar begins preparations to re-install statue of French footballer Zidane
The sculpture was created by a French artist of Algerian descent, depicting the moment during the 2006 FIFA World Cup final when Zidane hit Italian player Marco Metarzi on the head, which led to Zidane being sent off. And Italy had beaten France on penalties in that match. Sheikha al-Mayasa al-Thani, chairperson of the Qatar Museum, says that societies change, but it takes time, then people accept change. He said that Zidane is his best friend of Qatar and a role model for the Arab world. He said that he did not think the installation of the statue on the beach in Doha was proper and he would like the statue to be installed in the new sports museum in Doha where the football World Cup will be hosted this year.
