Qatar has been hit by an “unprecedented campaign” of criticism over the football World Cup, its ruler said Tuesday, lashing out at “double standards” in a fierce rebuttal just weeks before the tournament starts. 

The energy-rich and conservative Islamic Gulf state has spent tens of billions of dollars on hosting the first World Cup on Arab soil, but has faced mounting attacks over its human rights record. In a rare public airing of frustration, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani said Qatar was the victim of “fabrications”, hinting at hidden motives behind the criticism.